QFA and Players Association also sign MoU
Ayeni Olusegun
Doha
The 2016/2017 Qatar Stars League (QSL) was officially launched at a glittering ceremony at here on Wednesday.
All the 14 QSL head coaches were present at the event along with officials of the league and Qatar Football Association, sponsors and players.
The coaches spoke on the upcoming season which kicks off on September 15.
El Jaish coach Sabri Lamouche, whose team finished second behind runaway winners Al Rayyan last year, said the season will be a long and difficult one, adding that Al Rayyan remain favourites.
"Al Rayyan deserved to win last year, but every season is different. They had a good team and we had our problems with injuries and the Champions League.
"We will try to disturb them more this season. It won't be easy, because pulling a good result after a long season is difficult. Our preparations have also been hampered especially by the injury to our striker Abderrazak Hamdallah," the French tactician said.
Al Rayyan's Uruguayan manager and 2015/16 coach of the year Jorge Fossati suggested that it won't be an easy feat for his side to retain the title they swept the last term.
Al Sadd on the other hand have their eyes set on going back to the glory days of domination and coach Jesualdo Ferreira echoed the team's ambitions.
Ferreira said,"Al Sadd are the most successful team in Qatar and we are always aiming to win the title. We played well last season but it wasn't good enough. I always strive to win, we will have plenty of challenges but I trust in the abilities of this squad."
With the league announcing a shortened roster (from 14 to 12 teams) next season, four teams will be relegated from the QSL. This means that sides that were lucky to escape relegation would look to improve immensely to increase their chances of survival.
Wakrah head coach Mauricio Larriera, whose team finished 11th last season, is eager to avoid the drop.
"Al Wakrah must improve this season. The team is well prepared which is the most important thing for us I believe we have a good, integrated team this season. We will need strong team spirit if we are to stay in the league," he said.
Newly promoted sides will feature prominently in the battle to beat relegation.
Despite the seemingly impossible chances, Muiaither coach Philippe Birol sounded optimistic of their chances this season.
"Muaither won the right to be a part of the QSL last season, which was an achievement. The hard work begins now. Our aim is to finish inside the top ten," he said.