‘Time off the team good for everyone’

AL RAYYAN skipper Rodrigo Tabata was in a buoyant mood as they headed for Murcia, Spain, for their pre-season training camp. The naturalised Qatari midfielder played an instrumental role and the Lions regained the Qatar Stars League crown after a two-decade gap. He was adjudged the best player and was joint top scorer having netted 21 goals. The 35-year-old spoke about his interest on and off the field.

How did you spend your off-season?

It was a good vacation. I rested in Brazil. The time away from the team will be good for everyone. The whole team is back now and we’re focusing on our fitness, so we can start the season strongly.

How satisfactory was last season?

Last year was very good for me. Thank God, I helped the side to win the league and won two individual awards. This has given me plenty of motivation to work harder. I don’t look for these individual awards. I just work for Rayyan.

Any resolution for the upcoming season?

I believe if we prepare with the same intensity, this can be the start of another good season for Rayyan.