The Peninsula
Al Rayyan’s Uruguayan coach Diego Aguirre yesterday said that his team will be looking to secure full points against Al Sailiya in their Round 9 encounter of the QNB Stars League today.
The unbeaten former champions will be in action against the ‘Peregrines’ at the Al Ahli Stadium this evening. The kick off of the key match of the day is set for 19:25.
“Al Sailiya will be difficult opponents, but we will play to win and continue our winning ways. We have prepared the team to be at the top level,” Aguirre, a former Uruguayan National U20 coach, told media during a press conference held in Doha, yesterday.
The former Qatar national skipper Rodrigo Tabata-led Al Rayyan are having a brilliant run this season, winning five matches in a row that includes a magnificent 4-2 win against defending champions Al Sadd.
Coach Aguirre said his team is extra motivated after last week’s thrilling 2-1 win against Al Arabi.
“We are proud to have beaten Al Arabi in front of more than 10,000 fans in the last round. That gives us extra motivation to keep winning,” Aguirre said.
However, he noted that he will not take their ‘favourite tag’ for granted.
“My focus is more on Al Sailiya match. We will not benefit from the positive results we got against Al Sadd and Al Duhail, if we do not beat Al Sailiya,” Aguirre said.
Al Rayyan’s Argentinian international Gabriel Mercado yesterday noted that their target is to compete for the top spot.
“Our goal is to continue to do well, so we can compete for the top position. Al Sailiya drawing against Al Shahania in the last round will not make us go easy against them. They have brought out strong performances against teams such as Al Sadd and Al Duhail,” the former Sevilla defender, who joined the Qatari giants earlier this season said.
Mercado who scored the winning goal for Al Rayyan last week, said teamwork is the key to success.
“The game will be difficult. Al Rayyan suffered a loss against Al Sailiya last season. I scored an important goal against Al Arabi (last week), but in the end I am not a hero because the most important factor is the teamwork. As a professional player, thinking as an individual is not good for me,” Mercado said.
One of the strongest contenders for the Falcon Shield this season, Al Rayyan are currently placed in the second spot in the QSL points table with 18 points.
Leaders Al Duhail, the only unbeaten side apart from the ‘Lions’ so far in the tournament, have collected 20 points. Al Sailiya are sixth in the standings with 11 points.