Al Duhail players attend a training session.
Doha, Qatar: Al Duhail are stepping up preparations for the 2026-27 Doha Bank Stars League as they look to improve on last season’s fifth-place finish and make a stronger challenge for honours.
The team, coached by Algerian Djamel Belmadi, began their preparations in Doha before travelling to the Netherlands for an intensive training camp. The programme has focused on fitness, tactical work and improving the understanding between the players.
Al Duhail collected 33 points from 22 matches last season, finishing fifth with nine wins, six draws and seven defeats. They also had the league’s best defensive record, conceding only 27 goals.
Striker Mobarak Shanan said the initial focus of the preparations was on reaching the required physical level before moving into tactical work.
“The training sessions started with fitness-focused drills. More focus was placed on the fitness aspect as we tried to reach our fitness limit. Then, of course, we moved into tactics and how we will play our style of play this season,” Shanan said.
The forward believes Al Duhail have the squad to compete for every title.
“We have one of the strongest squads in the Gulf. Our goal this season is to try and win all the championships. We will compete for all the championships and in every match, we will give 100 percent effort,” he said.
Defender Lucas Silva believes the team are progressing well after beginning their preparations in Doha before travelling to the Netherlands.
“We are in good shape. I think the physical aspect has reached a good level. We are trying to get fit quickly, and we know we have important factors ahead of us,” Silva said.
He added that the experience gained by the club’s international players will prove valuable during the season.
“We are on a good path and in good shape. International matches bring experience, and with this experience and our combined matches, I believe we can achieve our goal by the end of the year. It will not be easy, but we are trying,” he said.
Algerian international Adil Boulbina said the intensity of the camp has helped the players prepare across all areas of the game.
“The training was intense. We work on all aspects, from every angle. Every player is taking responsibility and we are preparing with total seriousness so we can be ready for the matches and enter the league strongly,” Boulbina said.
Goalkeeper Fahad Younis Baker highlighted the importance of the physical programme, with the squad also completing gym sessions before training.
“We have morning and evening training sessions. Before every session, we have a short workout in the gym, partly as preparation and partly for strengthening, so the team will be ready for the new season,” he said.
Baker also pointed to the strength of the squad, noting that Al Duhail have seven players from the Qatar senior national team alongside high-level foreign professionals.
Qatar international Bassam Al Rawi said the players understand the demands of the pre-season camp and the importance of following the programme closely.
“The hardest part is always the preparation period. Fitness and the physical factor make a difference when you return to the league. We are following a schedule and sticking to it,” Al Rawi said.
Al Duhail will begin their league campaign against Al Sailiya on August 22, with the team hoping their intensive preparations under Belmadi will translate into a strong start.
