Doha: Al Gharafa coach Pedro Caixinia will seek to get the Cheetahs full points against Al Ahli in the Round 16 match of the Qatar Stars League (QSL).
Caixinia’s side, who are in the eight place, take on Al Ahli at Al Arabi Stadium here today and if they are able to put together a run of good results, the Cheetahs could put themselves into the Qatar Cup places.
Al Ahli will be hoping new signing of Argentine striker Danilo Carando can hit the ground running for the Brigadeers.
On the other hand, Al Gharafa enjoyed a ten-day training camp in Abu Dhabi with coach Caixinia.
“This is my second time to meet the media. The situation is different from last time. Before the previous match we had only three days to prepare the team but now we had preparations for three weeks, during which we convened external training camp in Abu Dhabi and it went well,” said Al Gharafa head coach Caixinha.
“We are aware of the opponents. During the training camp we have been focusing on our team formation and performance. When we returned to Doha we began to focus on the Al Ahli game,” the Portuguese tacticiansaid.
“I have two principles per each game, first of which are the player’s performance while the second is the strategy against the opponent. Commenting on the available players for the match,” Caixinha said.
“Chikhaoui will be unavailable during the coming matches as we are working on replacing him. As for Anderson, Shujaei and Dioko, we are satisfied with their performance.”
Al Ahli head coach Zalatco Kranjcar assured that his team is ready following a successful training camp in Abu Dhabi.
“The QSL stoppage period came in the appropriate timing for us. I believe the players took advantage of the break and we are now ready for the remaining league rounds, starting with Al Gharafa,” Kranjcar said.
The Croatian coach also spoke of key players leaving the Al Ahli squad.
“Only Pedro missed the team training sessions because his contract has expired. This is not surprising as I was aware of that fact. I didn’t ask for the registration of new players to replace him because we already have players. We have asked the Club Management to find a solution in order for Pedro to stay with the team. I believe he has received other offers as he chooses to leave the Club.”
In the second match at Al Arabi
Stadium today, Al Sailiya face bottom side Mesaimeer at 7.00pm.
Mesaimeer have lost their last four QSL games and will be going into the match hoping to get a positive result.
Sailiya have also been on a poor run losing their last two matches, however the Peregrines will be boosted by the permanent signing of Romanian international defender Dragos Grigore.
Sami Trabelsi’s side has been busy in the transfer window, securing the services of Colombian striker Carlos Preciado.
Trabelsi was happy with his side’s preparation ahead of their QSL round tie against bottom side Mesaimeer “We have been working hard on the physical and tactical aspects of our game during the break. I think we are now ready for the second half of the season.”
Trabelsi also had some warm words for new signing Preciado: “Carlos has showed good potential during the friendly matches, he is a fast and direct striker and will offer plenty to the side in attack. We wish him all the best at Sailiya.”
For Mesaimeer coach Rodion Gacanin, he was also happy with his sides training camp, which was convened in Doha. “As a side we went back to basics, looking to improve all elements of the side.”
Speaking of his opponents, Rodion noted “Sailiya have improved and developed well after a slow start and have achieved some good results so far.”
Mesaimeer have lost defender Rafael Amorim in the transfer window and the Meisameer coach in not sure his side will find a replacement in time for the match.
“I am not sure if we will find a replacement for this match due to the lack of choice in the market. Besides that we were interested in players in the Qatar Stars League, I think after the game against Sailiya will we get our target.”
Mesaimeer are currently rock bottom of the QSL standings, but the Croatian coach is still upbeat that his side can turn it around.
“It is going to be difficult time regardless for this side, as there are things beyond our control, a one major issue is that we lack experience of the league, however we will keep fighting to the very end.”
The other 7:00pm kick-off will see Al Khor play second placed El Jaish at Al Khor stadium. Al Khor coach Jean Fernandez side has performed well against the top sides in the QSL this season.
The French tactician will be hoping for a repeat of the 0-0 draw between the two sides at the start of the season.
Fernandez has insisted that his side is fully prepared for the second half of the season, and the upcoming test of second placed El Jaish today.
“El Jaish are one of the best sides in the country, I think the match with Al Rayyan was one of the best games of the season,” the French tactician said at the pre-match press conference.
Fernandez was also eager to point-out the upturn in fortunes for his side.
“Khor have creek evolved considerably from the beginning of the season, we have really improved and that was clear in our victory over Al Arabi. We will look to win against El Jaish and win the three points.”
In regards to the battle to avoid relegation Fernandez said: “ We have four or five teams to compete with for survival in the league, this battle will certainly go to the wire.
“El Jaish are currently flying high in the QSL rankings in second place.
Coach Sabri Lamouchi convened a closed training camp for his side during the winter break, and will be hoping more of the same from his young side.
They are currently ten points behind league leaders Al Rayyan, and will hope that the Lions can slip up when they face Umm Salal in the QSL match of the week tomorrow.
Lamouchi stressed that the break in the league came at the perfect time for his side, who are second in the QSL standings. Speaking on the eve of the match Lamouchi was eager to stress the quality of his opponents.
“Al Khor are a quality side and we will have to focus if we are to beat them.”
Speaking on the aims for his side in the second half of the season, Lamouchi said: “Our aim is simple, to get more points than we did in the first half of the season, whilst playing in the right way.”
Lamouchi also had an update on the injuries to his side.
“Lucas is now training with the side, but will not be fit for this match. Wesam Rizik and Abdurahman Abker could potentially play, we will test them this evening.”
The Peninsula
