Alkass Digital
Al Wakrah SC Announces Departure of Head Coach Miguel Ángel Ramírez
Al Wakrah SC has announced the departure of head coach Miguel Ángel Ramírez following a disappointing 3-0 loss to Tractor in the AFC Champions League elite stage. The heavy defeat signaled a need for change at the club, leading to Ramírez's exit. His tenure, marked by moments of tactical ingenuity, was overshadowed by inconsistency, particularly on the continental stage.
In his place, Al Wakrah has appointed Ali Rahma as the new head coach. Rahma, who is well-versed with the local football scene, brings with him a reputation for tactical discipline and player management. The club hopes Rahma’s leadership will guide them back to success, both in the domestic league and in future international competitions. His immediate challenge will be reinvigorating a squad that seemed outclassed by Tractor and ensuring the team quickly regains form in week 6 of Ooredoo Stars League when al Wakrah will face Al Khor on September 26.
Al Rayyan's Struggles and the Future of Poya Asbaghi
Al Rayyan, another prominent Qatari club, is also navigating turbulent times. Under the guidance of head coach Poya Asbaghi, they too faced a significant setback in the AFC Champions League elite stage, falling 3-1 to Saudi giants Al Hilal. This defeat exposed several tactical vulnerabilities in Asbaghi's setup, particularly in defense, raising questions about his ability to steer the team through a crucial period.
As Al Rayyan prepares to face their local rivals Al Arabi on September 26, pressure is mounting on Asbaghi to turn things around. The match against Al Arabi could prove pivotal in restoring confidence within the squad and among fans. Al Rayyan’s attacking prowess, led by star forward Yohan Boli, has the potential to cause problems for any defense, but their leaky backline remains a concern. A strong performance against Al Arabi could mark a turning point, but a continued downturn might force the club's management to reassess Asbaghi's future at the helm.
Al Sadd's Redemption: A Test for Félix Sánchez
Meanwhile, Al Sadd, traditionally one of Qatar’s powerhouses, is also enduring a challenging spell. They suffered a demoralizing 5-1 defeat to Al Duhail in week five of the Ooredoo Stars League, leaving head coach Félix Sánchez under scrutiny. The loss, one of the heaviest in recent memory for Al Sadd, highlighted a disjointed performance from a squad brimming with talent but lacking cohesion on the pitch.
Sánchez, known for his strategic acumen and history with Qatar's national team, faces a crucial test in week six when Al Sadd takes on Al Gharafa on September 26. A win is not only essential for lifting spirits but also for keeping Al Sadd in the hunt for domestic honors. The stakes are even higher as Al Sadd prepares to face Esteghlal FC in the AFC Champions League soon after. The squad will need a major turnaround in form to ensure they can compete on both the domestic and continental stages.
Will the Tables Turn?
As these three Qatari football giants face critical moments in their campaigns, the spotlight is firmly on the managers. Ali Rahma has a fresh slate to work with at Al Wakrah, but Poya Asbaghi and Félix Sánchez are under pressure to deliver results quickly. The upcoming fixtures on September 26—Al Rayyan against Al Arabi and Al Sadd against Al Gharafa—will be crucial in determining the short-term futures of both clubs and their coaches. Should the tables turn in these encounters, it could set the stage for thrilling recoveries in their respective campaigns, but any further slip-ups could have lasting consequences for their continental aspirations.