Al Rayyan’s players and officials celebrate their Sheikh Jassim Cup final victory in this last Wednesday’s file photo.
Doha: Al Rayyan will definitely look to begin their campaign in the 2018-19 QNB Stars League season on a winning note when they take on Al Ahli today at the Al Sadd Stadium.
Al Rayyan are on a high after winning the season-opening Sheikh Jassim Cup by beating Al Duhail last Wednesday.
“We could not have sought a better start to the new season than we had with the Sheikh Jassim Cup triumph. That has tremendously boosted our players’ confidence. More importantly, beating Al Duhail has helped us stand in good stead,” Al Rayyan coach Rodolfo Arruabarrena said ahead of his team’s QSL opener.
“I would say the Sheikh Jassim Cup is a closed chapter now and we have to turn a new leaf with regard to the QNB Stars League. It’s going to be a difficult game against Al Ahli. They had played some tough games last season, I understand,” said the Argentine.
“However, I have confidence in my players. I do not want to make tall claims at the start of a fresh league season.”
“We only had 20 to 25 days together to prepare for the tournament. You have to work and work, correct the mistakes and improve the game. At the moment, we are not worried about victory or defeat. We are in the process of building a formidable side,” he added.
“The first priority goes to the players. Coach comes only after that. I want our results to speak for us.”
Al Rayyan underwent a slump in form and had many injury setbacks as they exited in the group stage of AFC Champions League along with Al Gharafa, while Al Duhail and Al Sadd advanced to the knockout round.
Meanwhile, Al Ahli would be eager to improve on their ninth-place finish last season. The Brigadiers have bolstered their ranks with Dutch midfielder Nigel de Jong as well as medio Omid Ebrahimi and defender Mohammad Reza, both from Iran.
