Qatar’s football clubs are undergoing extensive preparations ahead of the new season that will begin next month. The teams are focusing on the top flight QNB Stars League (QSL) which will get underway on August 17. Reigning champions Al Duhail will defend their Falcon Shield and they are expected to get tough competition from other contenders in their bid to retain title.
Most of the teams are currently busy in preparing at home before they leave for their overseas training camps, mostly in Austria. However, Al Sadd – the 18-time Amir Cup champions and 16-time QSL winners – started their camp in Austria earlier this month as they eye trophies in the 2023-24 season after ending the last season without a silverware. The Juan Manuel Lillo-coached side is currently based in Seefeld where they will play a total of four friendly matches before returning home on July 19.
Meanwhile, Al Duhail, who renewed Argentinean coach Hernan Crespo’s contract for one more season after he led the Red Knights to treble including the Ooredoo Cup and Qatar Cup triumphs, will also train in Seefeld from July 23 to August 11. They are currently undergoing training sessions at home. Reigning Amir Cup champions Al Arabi will hold their training camp in Girona, Spain from July 22 to August 9. The Dream Team will be under coach Younes Ali, who recently renewed his contract with the club for two more seasons.
Looking to bounce back after escaping relegation from the QSL, Al Rayyan are also flexing their muscles at a home training camp under new Portuguese coach Leonardo Jardim. The Lions will also set up their overseas training camp in Austria from July 17 to August 7. In their latest signing, Al Rayyan roped in Brazilian midfielder Thiago Mendes from French side Lyon. Mendes, 31, also had stints with Goias Esporte Clube, Sao Paulo and Lille.
Al Gharafa are also hoping for an outstanding season particularly after signing the duo of Yohan Boli and Ferjani Sassi before the new season. Meanwhile, after naming Anthony Hudson as new coach and signing new players, Al Markhiya are also looking to reach new heights. They announced to hold their training camp in Turkey from July 12.
With all the teams making changes and undergoing strong preparations, the forthcoming domestic football season is expected to witness thrilling matches and many upset results. It appears that the race for domination in the season would not just be confined to the top clubs like Al Sadd, Al Duhail and Al Arabi as sides usually staying in the bottom half of point standings in the QSL are also expected to show stunning performances.
