Qatar Stars League (QSL) outfit Al Arabi has confirmed that Brazilian tactician Edison Aguirre will replace Uruguayan head coach Gerardo Pelusso who left the club by mutual consent two weeks ago.
The club made their announcement via their spokesperson late last night.
Aguirre is no stranger to the Al Arabi set up having previously coached the Arabi youth teams.
Last year, Al Arabi engaged Gianfranco Zola who stayed with the side for exactly one season before winding up at the end of April this year. Zola was succeeded by Pelusso after the club finished eighth in the league, which has 14 teams -- the same position as the previous season.
In other news, Al Arabi warmed up for their seventh round of the QSL with a friendly match up against an Army select side. The tie ended in a 1-1 draw with Al Arabi’s goal coming from captain Paulinho. The Dream Team are set to take on Al Gharafa on Saturday (November 19) in what will be Aguirre’s first competitive game in charge of the club.
Meanwhile, QSL giants Lekhwiya have warmed up for their round seven clash with Al Rayyan with a comprehensive 5-1 victory over Qatar Gas League side Al Markhiya in a friendly match on Sunday evening.
Head coach Djamel Belmadi was eager to keep his side match fit during the international break, and will be happy with the run out for his side. Summer signing Yusef El Arabi grabbed a hat-trick in the rout.
Lekhwiya will now begin to turn their attention to their QSL match of the week tie against reigning champions Al Rayyan.
The Red Knights are currently third in the QSL standings and take on fourth place Al Rayyan on Sunday evening, at Lekhwiya Stadium with kick off set for 6.00pm.
