QSL 2013-14 Preview - Al Rayyan

-Al Rayyan is arguably the team with the biggest fan base in Qatar, alongside Al Arabi, but the club's supporters who are nicknamed "The Nation  of Al Rayyan" are starting to lose patience.

-Eighteen years have passed since their team have won the league title, coaches from Poland, Denmark, Brazil, France, Sweden, Netherlands and Algeria failed to lead the team back to league glory, despite having at times world class players in their squads, like Sonny Anderson (Brazil), Mario Basler (Germany) and Fernando Hierro (Spain).

-Last season "the lions" showed glimpses of progress, with the arrival of a world class striker like Nilmar, they were serious contenders for the top spot in the league in the first half of the season.

-The second half of the season saw their form declining especially with their involvement in the AFC Champions League group stage, where they were the only Qatari team failing to get past the group stage, after winning only one game in six matches against Al Hilal (Saudi Arabia), Al Ain (UAE), Esteghlal (Iran).

-The team's main problem was defending, as they conceded 37 goals in the league (third weakest defense after Al Sailiya  and Al Arabi) and 14 in the group stage of the AFC Champions League.

-Their only major signing this season was Juan Forlin from Espanyol. The 25-year old Argentinean is a product of Boca Junior's youth system and can play in either central defense or midfield.

-They were on the verge of signing Moroccan star Abdelaziz Barrada from Getafe but the deal fell through in the last minute as he opted to sign for Al Jazirah of UAE. Abel Hernandez (Palermo, ITA) was also linked with a move to the club but it was never completed.

-A number of players were linked with a move out of the club this summer, including Nilmar (Internacional), Jarallah Al Marri (Al Khurtiyath) and Rodrigo Tabata (Ittihad Jeddah), but the club's management was successful in retaining the players.

-Veteran midfielder and Qatar international Fabio Cesar did not renew his contract and opted to make a move back to his older club Umm Salal. another major exit was experienced midfielder and Qatar international Younis Ali who also joined Umm Salal.

-The Club's president Sheikh Abdullah bin Hamad Al Thani resigned this summer, and Sheikh Saud bin Khaled bin Hamad Al Thani took charge of the club on temporary basis until the next elections in 2014.

Players to Watch

Nilmar, 29, a former Brazil international who was part of the side that took part in the 2010 FIFA World Cup, had a successful first season in Qatar, and if he can keep up the form he showed during the pre-season period, the QSL top scorer will surely be his.

Rodrigo Tabata, 32, the 2012 player of the year, joined Al Rayyan in 2010 and quickly established himself as the main star of the team, has plenty of skill and is a free kick specialist.

Juan Forlin, 25, with over 100 La Liga games with Espanyol, Al Rayyan fans will expect a lot from the Argentine midfielder, who can also play as a center-back.

Hamed Ismail, 25, a versatile right winger, who made his name with Al Arabi before joining AL Rayyan, a constant threat to any defense with his pace and skills.

Jarallah Al Marri, 25, one of the best Qatari strikers in the league, but he struggles to keep a regular place in Al Rayyan's starting line-up with the presence of Nilmar and Tabata.

Verdict

Nilmar and Tabata have been in great form during the pre-season stage, but with no back up players with similar quality and a defense line that needs serious investment, winning the league title looks beyond the team's reach. Another top-four finish is the most likely.


Preparations for the new season started on July 10th at the club's home stadium in Al Rayyan, ten days later they kicked of their Sheikh Jassim Cup campaign with a 2-1 defeat to Al Arabi.

That was followed by a 5-0 hammering of Al Gharrafa and 2-0 win over Al Markhiya, only goal difference gave them a place in the semi-finals of the competition ahead of Al Gharrafa and Al Arabi.

A training camp in Netherlands between 12-28 August, was the next stage, it included three friendly games, a 0-0 draw with Al Shabab (UAE), a 3-4 defeat against Eupen (Belgium) and a 1-2 defeat against Schalke 04 II (Germany).

After returning to Doha, Al Rayyan defeated Al Wakrah 3-0 in the semis of Sheikh Jassim Cup, before beating Al Khurtiyath 2-0 in the final to retain the title.

2013 Sheikh Jassim Cup Results

GPAvs. Al Arabi 1-2 [Fahd Khalfan]
GPA vs. Al Gharrafa 5-0 [Tabata (2), Moussa Haroun, Nilmar, Saleh Al Marri]
GPAvs. Al Markhiya2-0 [Ahmed Alaa, Tabata]
SF vs. Al Wakrah3-0 [Nilmar (2), Tabata]
F vs. AL Khurtiyath2-0 [Haroun, Tabata]

Transfers

In

Juan Forlin (Espanyol, Spain), Younis Yaqoub (Umm Salal)

Out

Fabio Cesar (Umm Salal), Younis Ali (Umm Salal)


League Stats
Final position4th
Matches played 22
Victories 11
Draws 4
Defeats 7
Goals Scored 49 (Best in the league)
Goals Conceded 37(third weakest defense after Al Sailiyah and Al Arabi)

Most Appearances
Omar Barry and Rodrigo Tabata (22 matches)

Top Scorers
Nilmar (14 goals), Rodrigo Tabata (11) and Jarallah Al Marri (8)

Biggest Victory
5-0 vs. Umm Salal (Away – Matchday 2)

Biggest Defeat
1-4 vs. Al Sailiyah (at home – Matchday 5)
1-4 vs. Al Sadd (at home – Matchday 6)

2013 Emir Cup
Champions, defeated Al Sadd 2-1 in the final

2013 Heir Apparent Cup
semi-finals, out after a 3-1 defeat to Al Sadd
Group Stage