Al Rayyan head coach Michael Laudrup is targeting a big Qatar Clasico win for his side when they take on bitter rivals Al Sadd in the QSL match of the week for round ten. This will be Laudrup’s first taste of one of the biggest games in Qatari football and the former Danish midfielder was excited about the game, which is scheduled for Wednesday evening at Al Sadd Stadium.
First up, Al Rayyan boss stressed the importance of the game for the fans.
“Derbies or games against rivals are always important for the clubs and the fans. That, of course, means they are important for the players and coaches.”
Laudrup is no stranger to some of the biggest games in world football having enjoyed a glittering playing career, which included time with bitter rivals Real Madrid and Barcelona. “I have been lucky enough to play and manage in some huge derbies like El Clasico, Juventus against Torino, the Copenhagen derby and Ajax against Feyenoord. You feel them as a coach and a player, and you want to do something special for the fans.”
The game will also see two of the QSL’s most passionate fans come together in what promises to be a lively encounter. Looking at the game, Laudrup noted that the Clasico will be all about the fans. “Generally, you know the opponent and the players going into the game. So that is not a concern for the players and coaches heading into a derby game. It’s all about the build up with the fans beginning to talk and getting excited weeks ahead, looking forward to the game that will add to this match.”
The defending QSL champions are currently fifth in the table following their first defeat of the season against Al Gharafa, and will be aiming to bounce back against Al Sadd.
“Normally these are top games, with often more at stake than just the result. In this case, Al Sadd are ahead of us in the league and we need to beat them to cut down the lead of El Jaish at the top.”
Talking about Al Sadd, Laudrup admitted his confusion that the Wolves have failed to lift the QSL falcon shield more regularly in recent history. “Al Sadd is a great side but they have only won the league once in eight years. It’s strange to see that they have won once in that time because they are a huge club in Qatar yet they are still fighting for the league.”
Laudrup also was eager to single out members of the Al Sadd squad, who are currently riding high in third place in the QSL standings. “Of course Al Sadd have some key players, firstly Xavi who is a great player. As is Hassan Haydoos, he has had some issues this season with injuries but he can change a game for them. In attack I think the new signing (Jugurtha Hamroun) has settled well and on the left they have Abdulkarim Hassan who is always lively. It’s going to be a tough challenge for Al Rayyan.”
Ending the conversation, Laudrup stressed that his side must look at the bigger picture heading into a packed December, which will see the QSL champions play three times in ten days. “As a coach and players you cannot just focus on one game. The match against Al Sadd is part of a very busy schedule for the club and it’s about getting a good result from all of the games we play. Our aim is to win every game we play at Al Rayyan and that will be the aim against Al Sadd on Wednesday.”
