The countdown to 2021-2022 QNB Stars League has begun even as the clubs are eagerly continuing their preparations for the season’s competitions after returning from their overseas camps, where they sought to achieve maximum technical and physical benefits for the players.

Against this backdrop, we are highlighting the pre-season preparations made by each of the 12 teams.

AL KHOR

Al Khor finished 11th in the 2020-2021 season QNB Stars League, above relegated side Al Kharaitiyat, and they had to defeat Al Shahania 3-1 in the Play-Off to retain their place in this season’s QNB Stars League.

The Play-Off pits the 11th-placed team in the QNB Stars League against runners-up in the Second Division.

Al Khor’s task will not be easy in the new season, as they will be required to provide the best to avoid relegation threat again after playing the Play-Off match in the last two seasons.

Start of preparations

Al Khor launched their preparations for the new season on 6th July and the players underwent technical and physical tests.

The technical staff, during the training in Doha, focused on the physical aspects in order to help the players regain their fitness following the break after the end of last season’s competitions.

Turkey camp

During their camp in Turkey, which lasted from 6th to 25th August, Al Khor played four friendly matches, in addition to the technical and physical training of the players under the supervision and follow-up of technical and administrative staff.

The team lost 0-3 to the Kuwait Olympic team, before losing the second friendly match 2-3 to Turkish team Fethiyespor. The Knights then beat Kuwait’s Al Shabab by one goal in the third friendly before losing 3-4 to Al Kuwait in the fourth friendly game.

Japan’s Yuki Kobayashi leaves and Koo Ja-Cheol in

Al Khor retained their professional quartet, namely Brazilian defender Rafael Vaz, Greek Giannis Fetfatzidid, Moroccan Ismail Al Haddad and German striker Pierre-Michel Lasogga, while Japanese player Yuki Kobayashi was replaced by South Korean professional Koo Ja-Cheol for two seasons in a free transfer deal after the player’s contract with Al Gharafa ends.

Jasir Yahya included

Al Khor also succeeded in strengthening their midfield with Jasser Yahya on loan from Al Arabi.

Technical stability under German Schafer

Al Khor retained the services of German coach Winfried Schafer by renewing his contract for another season.

Thus, the team management sought to maintain stability in terms of levels and results in the new season.

Al Haddad and Fetfa shine

Al Haddad underlined his name in the list of the best players in the team after he succeeded in helping them survive. So was Greek playmaker Fetfatzidid.

Tough start

The start in the QNB Stars League for Al Khor will be difficult as they run into strong contenders Al Duhail in Week 1. They then face Umm Salal, Al Wakrah and Al Rayyan in that order.