Al Arabi players taking part in a practice drill during their pre-season training camp in Slovenia yesterday.
DOHA: As the new football season approaches, Al Arabi are targeting a better show at the QNB Stars League (QSL), hoping to show consistency in the tough competition.
The ‘Red Devils’ were able to secure only the 7th position in the prestigious 12-team league after an inconsistent performance. Close to the end of last season, Al Arabi were near the relegation zone but a few important wins in the last few rounds saw them retain their place for the 2018-19 season.
However, the result was not enough to convince the avid fan-base of the Qatari club, prompting the management to make several changes in the team to get desired results in the new season.
Al Arabi will have coach Luka Bonancic for the entire season and it will be his task to bring consistency in the team’s performances. Clearly, Al Arabi management have shown confidence by giving full control of the side to Bonacic.
Kwame Karikari of Ghana, Saad Nateq of Iraq and Diego Jardel of Brazil are the heavyweights in the Al Arabi ranks, who will be expected to deliver in the new season.
Jardel, the inspiration in the midfield clearly has promises to keep from the last season.
Defender Ahmed Saleh of Syria and Mudir Abdurabu of Yemen will join new signing Colombian striker Franco Arizala to add muscle to Al Arabi forward line.
The Al Arabi think-tank did not ignore homegrown players with the signing of defender Ahmed Al Nahawi, goalkeeper Sheet Abbasi, Fahad Khalfan and Mohamed Salah El Neel.
The team, which will face Al Khor on the opening day of new QSL season on August 4, is currently undergoing a training tour in Moravske Toplice, Slovenia, where there are also scheduled to play various friendly games as part of their preparations. Following the significant changes and extensive preparations for the new season, the Bonancic-side will look to give tough challenge to their rivals for the 2018-2019 Falcon Shield.
