Arabian Gulf League champions Al Ahli must continue to show they have what it takes to cope with the tag of being the team everyone wants to beat, according to captain Grafite.

Cosmin Olaroiu’s charges were imperious last season, racing to the title by 16 points.

The treble winners have found it much harder going this term, dropping seven points prior to finally finding their form in Sunday night’s 4-2 victory over Al Jazira.

“We will defend our condition as champion,” said Grafite, who struck a brace against the Pride of Abu Dhabi. 

“Every opponent gives everything against us. We played Ajman here [a 0-0 draw] and it was very hard and very tough.

“Next game, they lost at home 3-0 [to Al Nasr]. Fujairah gave everything against us [to draw 1-1], then they lost 5-1 to Al Nasr.

“Against us, everyone wants to give everything.

“This is football. When you have a good team, everyone wants to beat you. We have to be prepared for everything that can happen to us during the game.

“I am happy to score and play well, but I am most happy about our team. We recovered the same spirit from last year.”

Grafite’s double followed a spell recuperating during the international break after carrying an injury through the start of the campaign.

The ex-Brazil international was pleased to give back to his team-mates on Sunday, who he thanked for giving him “motivation”.

He said: “I am 35 years old. I have a lot of experience. I know the local players follow me. I had such a bad day against Fujairah but they continued to give me motivation.

“I apologised to them for my performance. Against Al Jazira, I felt them following me as captain and encouraging me. If I play well, I know they will follow me. I should behave like this as captain.

“For example, I recovered the ball in midfield for our third goal. Our group is amazing.”