File photo: Al Rayyan coach Artur Jorge and Al Sadd’s coach Sergio Allegri
Doha, Qatar: Al Rayyan coach Artur Jorge has warned that Al Sadd could bounce back strongly in the Qatar Clasico despite their struggles this season.
The two sides face off in one of the Qatar Stars League’s (QSL) most anticipated matches, with Al Rayyan brimming with confidence after their recent win over Al Wakrah ahead of today’s clash at Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium.
Jorge’s side will enter the game in rhythm, while defending champions Al Sadd have been inconsistent, losing three of their seven matches, including a shock defeat to Al Arabi in their last outing.
However, Jorge insisted Al Sadd’s recent form will not affect the Clasico.
“Results mean nothing in a big game like Al Rayyan vs Al Sadd. They’re one of the best teams in Qatar,” he said at a pre-match press conference yesterday.
“It is a big match because it’s against the league champions and the best team in the league. We’ll play with the same approach - to win - and we’re confident of achieving victory.”
Al Rayyan players during a training session yesterday
Al Sadd currently sit seventh with eight points, while Al Rayyan are fourth with 13 points from seven games - four behind leaders Qatar SC.
“The club and I both aspire to win titles. The new players need time to gel, but with time the team will develop and compete for championships,” Jorge added.
Spanish striker Rodrigo Moreno, who has been influential for Al Rayyan, said the team is focused on the match.
“It will be a big match against the league champions and we must prepare in the best possible way. I am in good form and eager to help the team achieve its goals.”
Al Sadd’s interim coach Sergio Allegri, seeking his first win since taking over from Felix Sanchez, said his team is determined to turn their season around.
“It is clear that the match against Al Rayyan will be very evenly matched. They are coming off a victory, so they will enter the match with high morale, but we are working hard to get the three points and move up the standings,” Allegri said.
“We realise the current situation is not ideal, but the players are highly motivated. They know how important this match is for everyone at the club, especially the fans. We want to put on a great performance and continue working in this direction.”
Goalkeeper Meshaal Barsham echoed his coach’s sentiments.
“The Qatar Clasico against Al Rayyan is a big and special match for the players, regardless of the standings. We are preparing well and will give our best to achieve victory. The recent results have been unsatisfactory for us and our fans, but we must come back strong.”
Al Sadd's Akram Afif trains with teammates.
The match kicks off at 7:30pm, following the Al Gharafa vs Al Duhail game at Thani Bin Jassim Stadium, scheduled for 5:30pm.
Al Gharafa, second on the table with 16 points, defeated Al Ahli in their last game, while Al Duhail ended Al Shamal’s unbeaten run with a 2-0 victory to move into fifth place with 11 points.
