Al Sadd CEO Turki Al Ali with coach Juan Manuel Lillo during the presentation ceremony.
Doha: Qatar football giants Al Sadd formally introduced their new head coach Juan Manuel “Juanma” Lillo during a ceremony held at Al Attiyah Hall, yesterday.
The former Assistant to the manager of Premier League champions Manchester City, Pep Guadiola, Lillo succeeds compatriot and former coach Javi Gracia.
The Spaniard was formally handed the task of supervising the reigning QNB Stars League champions Al Sadd in the new Qatar football season 2022-2023 at a press conference in the presence of Al Sadd CEO Turki Al Ali and Head of Football Mohamed Ghanem Al Ali.
According to the initial contract, Lillo will coach Al Sadd for two seasons.
Turki Al Ali welcomed Lillo and wished all success to the 56-year-old coach and stated that Al Sadd Club has stuck to Spanish coached over the recent years.
“At Al Sadd, we have resorted to the Spanish school in recent years because it is commensurate with our style of play and capabilities of our players as also their skill and teamwork,” Al Ali said.
On the absence of international players from the beginning of the league campaign, Al Ali said: “It will give the opportunity for many young players to participate, as is usually the case with Al Sadd, which presents star players with a high level of performance.”
Lillo confirmed that training Al Sadd is not only an opportunity to bring in his football experiences but also provides him with the chance to be with Al Sadd, given the great value that the club has in Qatar, the region and the Asian continent.
“We will continue the work that the Spanish coaches at Al Sadd club have started in recent years, whether Xavi Hernandez or Javi Gracia. Qatari football and with Al Sadd Club in particular, it is an honour for me to be in this club,” Lillo said.
Lillo explained that the goal is always to achieve victories, and that the coach’s task is to always make the chances of winning greater.
“I think that Al Sadd sought this matter by contracting with Xavi, and my philosophy in football is always to stay close to the opponent’s goal and this specifically increases the chances of winning.”
Lillo admitted that the absence of some of the top players who will be on national duties in their respective countries ahead of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 will be a problem and a challenge that must be dealt with during the first seven rounds of the QSL.
Coach Juan Manuel Lillo speaks to players and officials during the team's first training session ahead of the kick off of the season.
"But at the same time it is an opportunity to learn about the capabilities of other players and give them opportunities to play and develop their level to increase the base of players who can be relied upon during the season,” Lillo said.
Lillo's coaching staff at Al Sadd includes assistant coach Anejo Domingos, fitness coach Danny Xuta, goalkeeper coach Pedro Pereira and technical analyst Adriano Teixeira.
Lillo started his coaching career at Amaroz KE back in 1981 and later managed top sides such as Real Sociedad, Vissel Kobe and Qingdao Huanghai before moving to Manchester City in June 2020.He also served as the assistant coach at the Chile national team as well as Sevilla.
Al Sadd will meet Al Markhiya in their first match of the new QSL season on August 1.
