Al Sailiya want to repeat 2013-2014 performance

Doha: Al Sailiya, who finished fourth in 2013-14, made a smart move in the summer transfer by signing former Algerian international Nadir Belhadj as the club hope to repeat their fourth-place finish.

Sailiya coach Sami Trabelsi, an admirer of Belhadj’s skills and work ethic, had expressed his interest in him as he thought the 35-year-old still possessed the desired fitness level to guide the team.

After an impressive performance four years ago, Sailiya struggled to stay afloat in the top-flight, finishing 11th, seventh and eighth in the following seasons.

“We’ve a good team spirit which will help us achieve good results. We’ll play better than last season,” said the former Tunisian national coach.

A lot will depend on Belhadj, who is a left-back, but can also play as left winger and defensive midfielder.

He still can motivate his younger team-mates, and that’s what Sailiya will be hoping for as they target top-four finish.

“We want to repeat our 2013-2014 performance. It’ll be difficult, but we’ve the capability to do well. We’ll give our best shot,” he added.

The league is a long-drawn battle, and Trabelsi, like any other coaches, would want his key players to stay fit.

Sailiya struggled in last season’s first phase, but the 49-year-old made apt use of the three new signings in January to bail them out of the relegation zone.

He made three changes, bringing Uzbek forward Temurkhuja Abdukholiqov, who joined from native club Lokomotiv Tashkent.

Midfielders Sanjar Shaakhmedov, who played on loan from Lokomotiv Tashkent, and Romanian Valentin Lazar helped the team finish eighth.

Trabelsi may have guided them well with limited resources, but their fans will have to wait and watch if the team spirit alone can steer them clear against top sides Al Duhail, Al Sadd and Al Rayyan in the new season.