Football giants Al Rayyan have welcomed new coach Rodolfo Martin Arruabarrena who will replace Michael Laudrup.

The former Argentina left back has signed a contract with Al Rayyan who finished third in the QNB Stars League season in April this year.

Arruabarrena will lead Al Rayyan in the pre-season training camp in Austria, the club said.

Al Rayyan had been in negotiations with some coaches over the past few months and in the end settled for a deal with Arruabarrena.

The new coach's mission would be to help Al Rayyan win a trophy or two after a barren time in the 2017-18 season.

The new coach arrived in Doha on Wednesday evening and was greeted by Omar Al-Azani, the manager of Al Rayyan.

He is scheduled to meet with the club's members before meeting with the players in preparation for the start of the pre-season training.

Arruabarrena's task will be cut out in the new season as Al Rayyan - with one of the largest fan-base in Qatar - usually ends in top-four in the Qatar in the regular season and also features in the AFC Champions League.

Al Rayyan will be seen in action on August 1 when they take on Al Duhail in the one-off Sheikh Jassim Cup at Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium.

Four days later, Al Rayyan will play first QNB Stars League game against Al Ahli.