Doha: Al Rayyan will seek a turnaround when they resume the second leg of the Qatar Stars League season with a match against leaders Al Sadd here today.
Coach Manolo Jimenez is convinced that his young Lions will bounce back as they languish in the 12th position in the 14-team league.
The Spaniard feels sorry for his crop of young players, who are caught up in one of the tightest championship races for a long time.
But Jimenez has urged his young stars to stay confident - especially ahead of the crucial derby with Al Sadd.
“We couldn’t be getting a harder test as we prepare for the second leg of the season. We’re playing against a very strong team which won’t be easy when we are in a very tough situation. But we have been working really hard in training to try and out things right and get out of the situation we find ourselves in,” the Spaniard said on the eve of the match.
“We’ve had many challenges this season. We have suffered a lot of injuries which means I’ve had to put my faith in the young players. This can make life difficult but I believe and trust in my players and I hope we get out of this situation,” he added.
Al Sadd coach Hussein Amotta hopes said his hoping to maintian the momentum gained in the latter part of the season whcih helped them to move to the top of the league.
“These games are always exciting. We’re looking forward to a derby because the circumstances surrounding both teams are very interesting. We have some problems and Raul will miss this match because of injury,” Amotta said.
“We don’t want to drop anymore points. I think we dropped enough in the first leg so it’s time to stop making mistakes and gifting the opposition goals,” he added.
The defending champions have 25 points, one more than second and third placed Lekhwiya and Eljaish.
“Every point is important, especially when the league is so tight and competitive. I would never under-estimate Al Rayyan. They are still very strong and have a lot to offer. I think it’s going to be a very good game,” the Al Sadd coach said.
In the other matches today, Al Wakra will take on Al Kharaitiyat at Al Wakra Stadium, while, Lekhwiya face Al Sailiya at Lekhwiya Stadium and Eljaish clash with Al Arabi at Lekhwiya Stadium.
In tomorrow matches, Qatar SC square up to Al Khor at Qatar SC Stadium, Al Gharafa face the challenge of this season suprise package Al Ahli at Al Gharafa Stadium, while two teams fighting a relegation battle, Muaither SC and Umm Salal will play at Al Gharafa Stadium.
Meanwhile, QSL has officially launched their new ticket booth in Landmark Mall.
The ticket booth will be open from 2pm to 10pm every day, offeringsupporters the chance to purchase tickets for all QSL matches, join Football Rewards, the QSL’s loyalty programme and find out more about the league in general.
The brand-new booth was officially unveiled by QSL Deputy CEO Hani Ballan – along with two of the league’s most recognisable stars.
Al Sadd ace Nadir Belhadj joined Al Rayyan star RodrigoTabata to promote the initiative.
The Peninsula
