Al Khor are set to take on Al Rayyan on Saturday evening to close out the first round of the QNB Stars League season. New Knights boss Laurent Banide spoke to the local media ahead of his first home game with the new club. 

Opening up the press conference Banide  was quick to praise his opponents. “Al Rayyan are one of the best sides in Qatar and this will be a real test of our training so far. Preseason went well overall with all of the players playing well. Now we have to put this into practise against Al Rayyan.”

“I am lucky to have inherited a good squad at Al Khor and we have strengthened further with a mixture of local and professional players. However our season will not be decided on this result on Saturday.” added Banide when asked about his squad heading into their first game of the season. 

Banide ended the press conference stressing that he needs time to see how is squad will do in the league this season.  “We will need at least four or five games to see our level and make an assessment on how the club is going moving forward.” 

As for Al Rayyan, they will be targeting the QNB Stars League title, after a busy summer on the transfer market. Head coach Michael Laudrup gave his thoughts to the media ahead of the game. 

“We have had many new players join us in preseason. It is important that they all acclimatise to our style and get settled in order to do their best for the side. This is a gradual process but I feel our team is ready for the match against Al Khor.” Noted Laudrup when asked about the new players in the squad. 

Laudrup also added he is expecting a tough test against away from home. “Al Khor are a tough opponent, they caused us plenty of trouble last season. We will have to be patient and I hope our team can give a performance that our fans deserve after our preseason.” 

“Al Rayyan are not the only side who is fighting for the title. Al Sadd and Al Duhail have further added to their squads this season. They will also be in the title fight, whilst Al Gharafa have added well to their team. We need to play a few games first to decide who will be looking to win the league” noted the Danish coach when asked about Rayyan’s title chances this season.