Al Ahli head coach Luka Bonacic  has said his side can get the better of Al Gharafa in the opening fixture of the Qatar Stars League today.
“We have worked hard over the last two months in our training camps in the Netherlands and Qatar. My side comes into this match in good fitness and form,” the Croatian said.
The 61-year-old, though, believes that both sides are in a similar form going into today’s match. “In my opinion my side and Gharafa are at the same level at the moment. It is all about which side comes into the game the best prepared and we shall see that on Thursday evening. I am not looking for excuses, we have some injured players but we will prepare our side the best we can. I have come here to win, and we must get three points against Al Gharafa to start the season strongly.”
Bonacic is no stranger to the QSL, after enjoying a stint with Al Shahania and the veteran coach is relishing the change to manage in Qatar again.
“I am coming to a big club in Qatar, In the last two months everyone has supported me and my team, in the future we shall see what happens with this squad. At this point I am just excited to start the league.”
On the other hand, Gharafa head coach Pedro Caixinha has vowed that his squad will be taking the new QSL season ‘step by step’.
“We have not set our squad any targets this season. We aim to take it one game at a time. We will start with this aim against Al Ahli on Thursday,” the Portuguese said.  
When pushed on why he was not setting a clear target for his squad, Caixinia stressed the importance of building his side. “Rome was not built in a day, you need time to build up players confidence that is why we don’t put goals and limitations. We are just starting this project here at Al Gharafa.” On Al Ahli, he said: “We have scouted Al Ahli ahead of the game, they have some strong professional players and a manager who has worked extensively in the region. But we have done our work on them and now we have to focus on grabbing the three points and starting on the right foot.