Doha: Al Rayyan’s talismanic captain Rodrigo Tabata was in good spirits ahead of his side’s departure to Murcia in Spain for their preseason training camp.
Tabata was crowned the Player- of-the-Season at the QFA awards in May as he enjoyed arguably his best season in professional football last term, noting a joint highest tally of 21 goals in 24 games.
The striker, who retuned from vacation in Brazil, while talking to QSL online said his team is confident to defend their title ahead of the new Qatar Stars League (QSL) season which will kick off on September 15.
“It’s been a good vacation, I rested in Brazil and this time away from the team will be good for everyone. The whole team is back now, and we are focusing on our fitness so we can start the season strongly. I believe if we prepare with intensity this can be the start of another good season for Al Rayyan.”
Al Rayyan have had a relatively quiet summer transfer window with the return of Daniel Goumo and the signing of Musab Mahmood, electing to stick with their professional players of Koh Myong-jin, Gonzalo Viera, Víctor Caceres and Sergio Garcia.
“It’s good that we have retained the same players. They know what the coach wants, and they know the mentality of the coach and the players. We did very well last season, but of course we need to improve again as other teams in the league have strengthen like Al Sadd and Al Arabi.”
Tabata also talked up the return of Daniel Goumo, who was recently free to play for Al Rayyan after serving a two year domestic ban. “Goumou is a very good player. He will be a big addition for the club this season, he is a positive person and even though he has been away from the squad he will bring plenty of quality to the squad.”
Head coach Jorge Fossati also signed a three-season contract extension with the Lions after lifting the Falcon Shield last term, a move that Tabata believes can only strengthen Al Rayyan.
“Everyone trusts the coach, and for what he did last season it was a major achievement. It is good to see the management showing belief in him with the deal they gave him. Keeping Fossati and his staff was a major boost for the players.”
“Last year was very good for me and Al Rayyan, winning the league after 21 years. Thank God I helped the side, and I won two individual awards. This has given me plenty of motivation to work harder. Myself I don’t look for these individual awards I just work for Al Rayyan. I believe we will be ready to fight for our title after a strong preseason.”
Al Rayyan will stay in Spain till the August 20 before starting their title-defense. The football giants won the previous edition, dethroning rivals Lekhwiya.
The Peninsula
