DOHA: Popular Danish coach Michael Laudrup (pictured) has thanked Qatar Stars League (QSL) champions Lekhwiya for ‘the special season’ that saw him guide the country’s most powerful side to two trophies in one year.
Under Laudrup’s charge, Lekhwiya won the QSL for the fourth time in five seasons at the end of April before nailing Qatar Cup in early May.
The 50-year-old Dane, who was brought in before the start of the last season in August, also helped Lekhwiya reach the quarter-finals of the AFC Champions League.
“It was an honour for me and my staff to be part of Lekhwiya’s greatest season after we won the league title and Qatar Cup following exciting matches and everyone did a great performance,” Laudrup said in a message posted on the club website.
“Reaching the quarter-finals of the AFC champions League was a special end to the season and I thank the players for their responsibility and their ability to overcome difficulties,” the former Barcelona and Real Madrid star continued.
“I thank everyone in Lekhwiya club after the cooperation I found and I urge everyone in the club to continue their hard work which made them one of the strongest teams in Asia,” the former Swansea coach added.
“I am sure this team has a bright future,” Laudrup said.
Earlier in an interview with Al Jazeera, Laudrup said: “I am happy for the incredible season we had winning the league, the Qatar Cup and reaching the quarter-finals of the Asian Champions League. Personally, I won coach of the year award in Qatar.”
After Laudrup’s decision to leave Lekhwiya, the Qatar champions moved swiftly and signed up Algerian Djamel Belmadi who helped the side win two back-to-back QSL titles in 2010 and 2011.
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