DOHA: Muaither coach Phillip Birol said on Thursday his team ‘feels’
ready for their Emir Cup clash against former champions Al Gharafa.

“We are happy that we are in this situation. We crossed the first
hurdle and now we are playing a very strong side,” Phillip said.

“We will do our best. Unfortunately we had some injuries but we will
play to win,” he said.

“I have watched their last three games. They have good players and
they had a great match against Al Rayyan. We expect a tough match,” he
said.

Al Gharafa’s Portuguese coach Pedro Caixinha said: “Our confidence is
very high. We have a very good season. We respect our opponents but we
will be playing to win.”

He added: “We do not have any pressure but it is clear that we are
used to such situations. We want to advance to the next stage. We know
the importance of this tournament. We know everything about our
opponents.”

“They are a good side with good attackers and defense. They can
convert moves quickly. We will have only 90 minutes to settle the
result or we go into the penalties. We don’t want that to happen.”

“For us, we have to prepare just as we have done in the past. We have
the same desire to win. We won’t be taking our opponents lightly.”