Al Rayyan's players in action during a training session ahead of their QNB Stars League match against leaders Al Duhail yesterday. Picture: Twitter / @AlrayyanSC
Doha: Al Rayyan will be looking to put aside their AFC Champions League play-off exit when they take on QNB Stars League (QSL) leaders Al Duhail in Round 14 match today.
Six points separate the top two teams. Al Duhail have 33 from 13 matches while Al Rayyan have 28 from the same number of matches. Al Sadd are close on the heels of the top two in the third place with 27 points from 13 matches.
Al Rayyan coach Diego Aguirre said his team is going through a lean phase but assured that they will fight back.
“We have to fight if we want to compete for the title. Losing the last few games pushes us to work to be better. We are going through a rough patch, but it is the same team that was competing for the lead in the QNB Stars League standings three weeks ago,” Aguirre said.
Last week, Al Rayyan lost to Iran’s Esteghlal 5-0 in the AFC Champions League play-off at home, with the win fetching the Iranians a place in the prestigious Asian club championship.
“It happens to all teams. The solution, in my opinion, is to work to restore our level, our position, and our chances of competing for the title,” he added.
“We feel sad after the big-margin loss to Esteghlal. That feeling will make the players come back strongly and we have to believe in our capabilities and return to our normal level.
“All players have their roles and we will try to motivate them to give their best,” said Aguirre.
Meanwhile, Walid Regragui, who recently replaced Rui Faria as Al Duhail coach said his team is brimming with confidence ahead of the crucial tie.
“We have made good preparations during the week, the players have made great efforts to realise that the coming period will be busy at the local and continental levels” said Regragui.
“The game will be difficult despite Al Rayyan’s recent setbacks. They will certainly want to make a reaction. We must play with great focus,” he added.
Regragui said Al Duhail will put every effort to retain their top spot.
“We respect Al Rayyan, but my focus is on my team and its performance against the team which is in the second place. I expect the game to be exciting and strong. Despite the difficulty of the game, we will fight with the desire to win so that we can remain at the top of the table.”
“I need some time to implement my philosophy and know more about the players. They have great potential and strong determination,” said Regragui.
