Ali Afeef, Captain of Al Duhail team and Djamel Belmadi, Head Coach of Al Duhail team during the QNB Stars League press conference which took place at Al Gharafa Sport Club.
Al Duhail are looking to overcome Qatar SC as the newly-formed side make their QNB Stars League (QSL) debut at Duhail Stadium today.
The opening day of prestigious league will see three matches being played but Al Duhail - formed after merger of giants Lekhwiya and El Jaish - will be in focus on the inaugural day.
Al Duhail consist majority of Lekhwiya players, who won the previous season of the QSL under the guidance of head coach Djamel Belmadi.
The Algerian coach will mentor the new side too and he must be eyeing a winning start in the league, which is expected to be the toughest contest of all previous editions.
The team combination makes Al Duhail, one of the title favourites along side Xavi’s Al Sadd and Michael Laudrup’s Al Rayyan, but Belmadi is advising his ranks to be cautious in their opening game.
“I am expecting an interesting game against Qatar SC because they have been promoted and I don’t have too much information on the side,” Al Duhail coach said at a pre-match press conference.
“I feel that they have a good coach and will do well in the league this season” noted Belmadi when asked about his opponents.
Belmadi said his players are starting with no pressure under the ‘favourites’ tag.
“The squad has only been improved with the signings in the summer. I now have to manage these expectations over the season, my aim is to always win and I feel we can achieve something with this side.”
Duhail winger Ali Afif said his team will be targeting the QSL title, terming the opening game crucial.
“We are a confident group of players and have been together for a number of years. We must start well, and take the season game by game.”
Qatar SC, who are returning to the QSL after missing the last season due to relegation, are banking on their preseason preparations for a good start in the league.
New Kings coach Gabriel Calderon said the QSL is going to be a tough challenge for his side.
“I am happy to be coaching in the QNB Stars League. We have had a good two months of preseason and the team is prepared. It will be a real challenge against the former champions but confidence is high and moral is good in my team.”
“We will have to start at a high tempo and impose our game on our opponent. This will be tough against Duhail, but I feel that is we do this we have every chance of causing an upset” added the experience Argentinian coach on the prospect of surprising Al Duhail.
Qatar SC player Mohammed Omar said the side is in good spirits heading into the first match of the season.
“We are working well as a team in training, the coach has lifted our confidence levels. We feel that we can do well this season in the league.”
Earlier, the first match of the season will see Al Gharafa take on Al Ahli while the second match of the day will be played between Umm Salal take and Al Kharaitiyat.
