By Sports Reporter/Doha
Gianfranco Zola has warned his Qatar Stars League rivals that Al Arabi will only get better after his team won all their three matches in the tournament so far.
Admittedly the Dream Team had an easier start to the QSL campaign with an opening game against Al Wakrah and then a clash against Al Khor in Round 2.
However a lot of credit must be given to Arabi for their solid performance against last season’s fourth best team - Qatar Sports Club, whom they beat 4-0. Gharafa, however, will be their first real test of the season as they welcome them to the Grand Hamad today.
“I think we are a good team and we are getting better and better. But there are teams that are already ahead of us. We want to be more competitive and we will be so this year,” Zola said at yesterday’s press conference. “But honestly winning the title is not in the programme. I don’t want to put more pressure on the players. I don’t want to create false expectations. We will do much better than what we did last year. But whether we will win the title or not, I am not sure.”
Gharafa, who had their first game against Lekhwiya postponed, have also started brightly with two good wins, first over QSL newcomers Mesaimeer (1-0) and then against Al Ahli (2-0).
New Gharafa signing Yassine Chikhaoui looks a real livewire and will be a big asset to them this season. Alain Dioko too scored for his new side but looks to have injured himself in the process. His absence could prove costly for the Cheetahs.
Zola’s men know that they must win this match, as the following week sees them take on defending QSL Champs Lekhwiya away.
But the Italian will be happy in the knowledge that his team’s goals have been scored by many different players and a win today will be the perfect confidence booster as they take on Lekhwiya the week after.
“It’s good to be in this position. We are coming from three wins. For me the crucial game was against Qatar SC. Psychologically, it was a difficult game for us. In football when you win two games, it’s easy to think that you are good,” said Zola.
“When you play against teams that are coming from a loss, you can see the motivation in them. Now we are playing Gharafa. They are a good team. My players will be ready for this game. We have had less time to prepare for this game as compared to the last one but I am confident that my players will be ready for this game.”
Al Arabi captain Khoukhi Boualem was all praise for his coach.
“Our coach has shown us the strong points of Gharafa and we will work hard to get the win.
A lot of things have changed in the team since last season, beginning with the coach. He has brought in a new philosophy. He gave more motivation and confidence to the players. Last season we played without team spirit and now we have that.”
Al Gharafa coach Pericles Chamusca admitted the game would be tough. “This game will be a tough game. It’s a special game for Arabi. It’s my birthday this week. I turn 50. So I am looking forward to a birthday gift from my players. I hope our team puts in the same performances like we did in the last games. If we show the same attitude, we should have a good game and win.
“It will be very difficult for Dioko to play in this game. He suffered a hamstring injury in the last game. We are hoping that he might come back after the break during the middle of October.
“My focus is on our preparation. Our first game wasn’t good. In the second game we played with team spirit. It was a collective effort.”
