Luciano Vazquez is playing a key role as QNB Stars League’s promoted team Al Shahania are punching above their weight. The Argentinian striker carries a heavy weight of expectations on his shoulder.

Luciano, who is playing his third season in Qatar, was the top scorer with 16 goals when Al Shahania won the second division last season. He had represented them when they made their debut in Qatar football’s top flight in the 2014-15 season.

Luciano had contributed a goal to Al Shahania’s 3-1 victory over Al Sailiya in Week 9 of the QNB Stars League on Sunday. And they are ninth in the standings with 10 points.

In an exclusive interview with QSL Online, the 33-year-old sheds light on various topics.

How do you sum up your performance this season?

We’re satisfied with our performance so far. We believe we’ve been doing well despite not being a big team with big names.

What’re the team’s targets in this season’s QNB Stars League?

Our first and foremost target is staying in the first division. We know our limitations having come from the second division, but we’re doing our best to achieve our goal.

Personally, I want to be a vital part in our mission by scoring as many goals as possible. I’ve already scored three and I’m working hard on my game in order to be able to do it.

What special impact will the victory against Al Sailiya make on Al Shahania’s game?

Al Sailiya are a very good team and are in a strong position (third) in the league table. It was an important victory in our campaign and that gives us extra confidence. But then, we had worked so hard for it.

It was only your third win this season. Don’t you think you could’ve registered more victories?

Yes. Indeed, we had chances to score more wins. At the same time, we played a few games without the full quota of professional players. Also, we were crippled by injuries to some players. Playing with one professional player less would make a huge difference in such a competitive league as QNB Stars League.

How do you look forward to the Umm Salal game?

We expect Umm Salal to be more or less like Al Sailiya. We know we can do well. If we can repeat last week’s performance, victory will be ours.

How well do Al Shahania players gel?

For us, team is first and rest all is secondary. Our team spirit, be it at the training sessions, playing field or dressing room, is exemplary. We never lose our focus of doing our best with the aim of reaching our goal.

How do you assess Jose Murcia’s style of coaching?

Murcia is an effective coach. He has vast experience in Europe. He never confuses us and always trusts the players. He has a clear idea of the team’s objectives and knows the players well.

How do you rate Al Shahania’s team composition?

Our team is almost the same from last season except for two/three players who joined us this season. As I said, we don’t have big players. We believe in teamwork.

How’s the level of competition in the QNB Stars League?

I first played in the Qatar league in 2014. After a season, I went back to play in my country Argentina and also in Chile. I then returned to Al Shahania in the 2017-18 season when we became the second division champions.

I can see the improvement being made over the years even though we find it a bit difficult to match the top teams around.