Al Rayyan has secured a manager with proven QSL pedegree

“He’s number one” joked Al Rayyan chairman Sheik Saud Bin Khalid Al Thani during yesterday’s presentation of new head coach Michael Laudrup. Al Rayyan fans well know that they have signed a top class manager, capable of pushing the Lions onto the next level.

Laudrup is no stranger to the QSL, having enjoyed a fine if all too brief season with Lekhwiya during the 2014/2015 campaign. The Danish coach won the league and Qatar Cup in his first term in charge and capped of the season by picking up the 2015 QFA coach of the year award.



At the time, his Lekhiwya side’s blend of attack minded possession football was too much for the rest of the QSL as the Red Knights convincingly won the league by  five points over second placed Al Sadd. In truth the margin could have been more, had Laudrup not elected to play youth players once the league was confirmed with three rounds to spare.

Whilst in the Qatar Cup, Lekhwiya narrowly overcame bitter rivals El Jaish 1-0 thanks to a goal from Sebastian Soria. Laudrup will be looking to get the very best from the Qatar international striker, who he previously managed at his former side.

After a trophy laden season, Laudrup promptly left in the summer to enjoy a 15 month stint away from the spotlight, much to the confusion to the fans and management of Lekhwiya.
However the lure of the reigning QSL champions Al Rayyan proved to be far too much for Laudrup, who admitted he had received lucrative offers in both the USA and China but opted for Al Rayyan and the QSL “Because I know the league and the country well.”



Al Rayyan made no secret that Laudrup was their number one target, and now the focus and pressure will be on Laudrup to deliver titles. Despite the demands placed on the new coach by the Rayyani fans, Laudrup was confident in his opening press conference of steering his new side to silverware. “We have the league, two cups and the AFC Champions League to play for. Al Rayyan will be competing for these titles.”

The AFC Champions League will also be a focus for the Danish coach at his new side, having gone all the way to the Quarter finals with his previous club. “The AFC Champions League is a competition that Al Rayyan needs to be in, as you are tested against the best clubs in the region.”

Now the real work will begin for Laudup as he meets up with his new squad and begin to prepare them for their third round QSL tie against Al Sailiya. Based on his history in the QSL, Rayyan have secured the services of a highly capable coach who could potentially secure Al Rayyay back to back QSL falcon shields.