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 SADD

Al Sadd proved their worth while deservedly winning last season’s QNB Stars League. They will surely encounter more challenges in their quest to retain the title and are sure to face fierce competition from other teams.

Beginning of preparations

Al Sadd started their preparations for the new season in the second half of July in the absence of a large number of international players who were on duty with the Qatar national team and Olympic team.

Spain camp

Al Sadd had their pre-season overseas camp in Olot, Spain, from 2nd to 14th August, during which they played two friendly matches. They won the first game 5-3 against Spanish team Figueres and lost the second 2-3 against Spanish side Sabadell.

After returning to Doha, Al Sadd defeated Lusail 2-1 in a friendly.

Renewal of Xavi’s contract

At the end of last season, Al Sadd had announced the renewal of coach Xavi Hernandez’s contract for two more seasons. In his second season (2020-2021) in charge of Al Sadd, Xavi had won the award for the best coach.

Xavi guided Al Sadd to the QNB Stars League title in the 2020-2021 season. They topped the table with 60 points from 22 matches, winning 19 and drawing three. In the process, they were the only unbeaten team.

It may be noted that Xavi moved to Al Sadd as a player in 2015 from Barcelona, ​​before retiring from football to coach them since the summer of 2019.

Retaining pros and signing Andre Ayew

Al Sadd retained most of their professional players – Spaniard Santi Cazorla, who is noted for his leadership as well as playmaking abilities and won the Best Player Award last season, Algerian striker Baghdad Bounedjah, the top scorer in the league championship last season with 21 goals, and South Korean Jung Woo-Young, whose contract was renewed for two more seasons, and Brazilian Guillerme Torres.

Ghanaian player Andre Ayew was signed to replace Nam Tae-Hee. Ayew is a strong addition and has great potential, especially on the offensive front, which is what Al Sadd need.

Campaign start

Al Sadd will play Al Sailiya, Qatar SC, Al Rayyan and Al Shamal in the first four rounds of the league.