QSL restarts tomorrow as Al Rayyan, Al Arabi back in action

DOHA: The Qatar Stars League will resume on Sunday (December 22) with Al Rayyan among other clubs reopening their campaign.

“The league is starting after five weeks. I tried to keep the players in good shape during this break. We’re prepared well,” Al Rayyan coach Diego Aguirre, whose team face Al Wakrah, told QSL website.

Rayyan, who last won the title in 2015-16 season, are currently second behind Al Duhail with 22 points.

“Wakrah are a good side that plays in a distinct way. They have achieved some good results. We need to be focused against them,” added the Uruguayan.

On the five-week long break, Aguirre said, “We had special sessions during the break. I’m happy with the way our players responded to the training sessions. Ooredoo Cup matches were of great help. I am optimistic that Rayyan will have a good start.”

Al Arabi face Qatar Sports Club

Al Arabi, who are currently fifth on the table, will take on Qatar Sports Club.

“Five weeks is a long break. We played four good games, it was very useful despite the absence of seven players. We pushed young players and we discovered their capabilities. We will benefit from them,” Arabi coach Heimir Hallgrimsson told QSL website.

Qatar occupy the ninth spot with 12 points, and they will be looking forward to a positive start.

“Qatar SC are a good team. They had positive results. Their present coach (Wesam Rizik) has succeeded in making a complete turnaround in their fortunes. It’ll be a difficult match,” added the former Iceland coach.

But Hallgrimsson added that Arabi is in the right frame of mind.

“We will take advantage of these young players in the next stage in order to increase the number of players who can compete for us in the league,” he said.

On the signing of new players in the January transfer window, Hallgrimsson said, “We do not have any plans to change players in the. We have more important plans, to improve the performance of the team.”