So with a signing of the contract it was done. Al Rayyan confirmed the return to Qatar of former Lekhwiya head coach Michael Laudrup.

 Opening up the press conference Sheikh Saud bin Khalid Al Thani, the chairman of Al Rayyan welcomed the media and expressed his relief at finally getting Rayyan’s number one target. “We are glad that Michael Laudrup has accepted our offer. Laudrup has been a successful manager in both Europe and Qatar, and we wish him all the success with Al Rayyan.”

Laudrup who previously steered Lekhwiya to a league and cup double in his only season in Qatar stressed that he is happy to return to the QSL. “I am very glad to be back in Qatar and coach Al Rayyan, I hope it will be a success. However football is not about one manager, it also about the team and the collective and we will work as a collective at Al Rayyan.”

Talking about returning to his pervious club Lekhwiya Laudrup noted that it will be a moment to remember form himself. “It’s going to be a special moment playing Lekhwiya I know the staff and the players well. However I am a professional and I will want my new team to win.”



The former Swansea City coach, who is enjoying his second stint in the QSL also stressed that Al Rayyan will be competing for silverware this season. “We have the league, two cups and the AFC Champions League to play for. Al Rayyan will be competing for these titles.”

Whilst having plenty of offers from abroad Laudrup confirmed that Al Rayyan and the QSL was his only choice. “It’s true I had plenty of offers from America and Chinese teams, but I returned back to Qatar because I know this league and I know the country well.”

Laudrup will now start training his side ahead of Al Rayyan’s third round QSL match against Al Sailiya.