Salim Cheniouni
With Matchday 6 of the Ooredoo Stars League (OSL) on the horizon, we have already witnessed a significant number of managerial changes. Younes Ali was replaced by Anthony Hudson at Al Arabi, who subsequently joined Al Rayyan, taking over from outgoing head coach Poya Asbaghi. Al Wakrah also saw Ali Rahma Al Marri step in for Spaniard Miguel Angel. Meanwhile, reigning champions Al Sadd are under immense scrutiny as former Qatar national team head coach Felix Sanchez faces criticism following three defeats this season.
These managerial changes may impact the standards the QSL aims to improve, with a greater focus on younger recruits and long-term projects to elevate the league's overall quality. However, one could argue that these shifts might delay achieving those goals. This concern was echoed by former Al Sailiya head coach Sami Trabelsi, who managed the club for a decade from 2013 to 2023. In an interview with Alkass Digital, he remarked, “I feel that many bad decisions are made to change coaches after just three or four games. It’s not good for the league.”
As the QSL and its clubs strive for stability in the coming weeks, it is crucial for Qatari football to thrive. Teams are not only competing in continental competitions like the AFC Champions League but also working toward the national team's qualification for the upcoming 2026 World Cup, to be held in Canada, the USA, and Mexico.