QSL
Al Rayyan coach Leonardo Jardim spoke to the media ahead of their 2023-2024 season Expo Stars League Week 18 match against Al Gharafa.
“We will face a strong competitor who have the same goals as Al Rayyan and the two teams are having a wonderful season, better than last season, and are competing for second place in the Expo Stars League. So I expect it will be a big match for the team and we will fight to get the three points.
“Al Gharafa are an organized team in all aspects and they have a player who makes a difference, and he has a great season, using all the capabilities he has in order to appear in this strong image.
“The crowd attendance in the last match was not large, so I hope for their strong presence during the match against Al Gharafa, given that the support of fans will be very important in this major fixture, especially at this important stage in the league,” said Jardim.
Al Rayyan goalkeeper Fahad Younis said, “The team is determined to achieve victory against Al Gharafa and seize second place in the Expo Stars League standings.
“The match against Al Gharafa is always close and this season will be exceptional, given that the two teams are currently competing for second place in the league standings, and my goal as a goalkeeper is to come out with a clean sheet and to help the team with everything I have in order to obtain the title. Three points, we are determined to play a great match, and the team that wants to win must play a great match, so we will enter with full focus.
“My message to the fans is always that we need them to stand behind the team and Al Rayyan are stronger with fans standing behind us and supporting the players. God-willing, we will work to make them happy by winning the three points.”