Al Ahli players celebrate after scoring during a QNB Stars League match in this file photo.
DOHA: Al Ahli are relying heavily on the vast experience of Czech coach Milan Macala as they look to turn the tide in the new QNB Stars League (QSL) season starting early next month.
The Qatari club, which is famous for their gutsy performance against top oppositions, failed to impress their fans last season, finishing on an unimpressive 9th position with 22 points.
However, the QSL side is desperate to make a turnaround in the next season as they are targeting a top-four finish in the prestigious 12-team league.
Their renewed resolve has come with the return of 75-year-old Macala – the oldest among the QSL coaches.
The Czech, who enjoyed a successful stint with Al Ahli in the past, has been reassigned the task following series of changes in the team management, owing to inconsistent performance by the team last season.
Joaquin Caparos started the 2017-18 season as head coach but quit for personal reasons in December last year.
Al Ahli then roped in youth coach Jorge who was later succeeded by Youssef Ahmed Khalifa.
It was Macala, who coached Al Ahli to promotion in the QSL from the Second Division a few years ago. In his first QNB Stars League season, Macala helped the side finish fifth in 2015 and sixth the following year.
Apart from Macala, Al Ahli management has also succeeded in securing an impressive roster of overseas players including Moroccan Mohsen Metwalli, Iranian Omid Ibrahimi and Dutch star Nigel de Jong.
Besides, Qatar players Abdul Rahman Mohammed, Ali Fareeuddin, Mohammed Tresoor, Magid Mohammed and Ali Qadri will add impetus to Al Ahli’s charge in the new season.
Al Ahli, who are scheduled to meet giants Al Rayyan in their opening QSL match on August 5 at the Khalifa International Stadium, are undergoing a preseason training tour in Salalah, Oman where there will stay till July 24.
The trip also includes a couple of friendly games.
