Lekhwiya captain Luiz Martin poses on the opening day of annual QSL Media Day in Doha, yesterday.
Doha: The annual Qatar Stars League (QSL) Media Day commenced with stars from all the 14 clubs turning out to build up the prestigious league which will kick off on September 11.
All QSL clubs will have their players’ photos taken in their brand new kits. The Media Day is also be a good opportunity to collect other relevant information from the players to share with various media organisations in Qatar and internationally.
Alain Dioko who has made the controversial move across town to join Al Gharafa this season said: “I am very glad to be present at the QSL’s Media Day, I understand its importance and I think the photos went really well. I had a lot of fun today.”
When asked his transfer this summer, the Congolese front man said, “I am happy to sign for Al Gharafa because I believe it is a team where I can win titles. We did a good job as a team in our overseas preseason training camp; we trained hard won some friendlies. Hopefully this will bode well for the start of the new QSL season.
Speaking about how he thinks the season will go and who will be in contention at the end of the campaign, Dioko was very confident, saying: “Me and my new team will compete for the top positions come the end of the season. We have a new coach and a lot of players have arrived over the summer.”
He added, “The season will be tough for all the teams but I expect that Gharafa, Rayyan, Lekhwiya Al Sadd and El Jaish will be in the mix come the end of the season.”
Lekhwiya’s Luiz Martin was equally excited as he attended the Media Day.
“It’s a great pleasure to be a part of the QSL’s Media Day which is a great event for us as players and for the league. From what I can see everything is well organised and very professional.”
“With regards to the new season, Lekhwiya will be able to defend the title but it will be very hard, teams have bought well this summer. We need to work hard and be ready every game; we must give 100% of our capacities as players to achieve our aims.”
“We didn’t buy many players over the summer but we have made some slight alterations. We almost have the same squad as last season. We brought in Muntari who I think will be a big asset to the team.”
“We will work with the same system as before however we have a new coach. Belmadi is new but he has been in charge of us once before so we know him as players and he knows us very, very well.”
The Lekhwiya captain concluded by saying, “Every season I expect something new and different in the league. The fight for the title will be hard; I think it will be between Lekhwiya and Al Sadd. Nonetheless I also think that El Jaish will be a tough opponent for us and all the teams in the QSL.”
Umm Salal’s Yannick Sagbo said: “I’m very glad to be a part of the Qatar Stars League and to be here at the media day. I heard a lot about Qatari football and I know that the league is very strong. I can’t wait to get a taste of it!”
“Um Salal finished last season in 6th position and I believe we will achieve a better position this term. It would be great if we finish the season among the top 4 teams.” “We have some new young players in the team and we will help them shine by guiding them with our experience as foreign professional.”
“Lekhwiya and Al Sadd are great teams playing big games such as the Asian Champions League and I think it will be tough against them.”
THE PENINSULA
