Al Gharafa coach Slavisa Jukanovic
Doha: Al Gharafa coach Slavisa Jukanovic couldn’t have wished for a better result and that too against a top side like Al Duhail.
On Sunday, former champions Al Gharafa delivered a thoroughly enjoyable performance, crushing Al Duhail 3-0 in Round 6 of the Qatar Stars League at Grand Hamad Stadium.
“I have to say this was a very important win for us and a good step towards as we get ready for our next match,” a delighted Jukanovic said as Al Gharafa picked up three points.
The Cheetahs, with a tally of 13 points, are in third place behind Al Sadd (16) and Al Ahli (15).
“The victory over Al Duhail is very important for us, especially after losing in the last round against Al Sailiya,” Jukanovic said after the match.
“We had a good game and a good result and therefore I am happy with the performance of the players,” the former Serbian national team midfielder said.
“Winning is an important step and will have a positive effect in the upcoming matches, but we should not go over board with our celebration as we should focus on the next meeting against Al Khor in a few days (on Nov 27) because it will be another important match for us,” the 52-year-old said.
Regarding the effect of victory, Jukanovic said: “We are always looking for stability when it comes to results. Therefore, we must seek victory in the next match against Al Khor by preparing for it properly. In the previous match against Al Sailiya, we were not bad, but we paid the price for making mistakes and lack of focus.”
He added: “I think today (on Sunday), we were more focused and despite some mistakes, we got the win and bagged the three points. And this is important, of course.”
Al Duhail defender Sultan Al Brake was quick to congratulate the winners, saying they ‘deserved to win’.
“Our team did not show the desired level in the match against Al Gharafa. I congratulate them on their performance and the deserved victory,” Al Brake said after the match.
“Al Gharafa performed well over the two halves and deserved to win the three points. We hope to show better and achieve a better result in the next round.
“We made mistakes and we will try to correct these mistakes in the next matches and the ones after that,” the 24-year-old added.
