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<p>Lucca Borges, who joined the Al Rayyan ranks at the start of 2018-19 season, is a vital cog in their machine. The Brazilian plays an influential role for The Lions with his sound technique and skills.</p><p>Lucca had a key role in Al Rayyan’s victory over Iran’s Saipa in the AFC Champions League play-off that earned them a berth in the tournament proper and also in their QNB Stars League Week 16 victory over Al Arabi, both last week.</p><p>Ahead of Al Rayyan’s Week 17 Qatar Clasico against Al Sadd on Saturday, the 29-year-old forward spoke to QSL Online in an exclusive interview. Excerpts:</p><p><strong>How have you found the season so far in Qatar?</strong></p><p>I see that teams are working more and more to make good games.</p><p><strong>How’s the standard of competition in the QNB Stars League?</strong></p><p>The level is increasing. That’s great news and good for the country. Also good for professional players. I’m trying to improve more in order to put up good performances.</p><p>Very strong teams are preparing more and more. That makes the games very difficult.</p><p><strong>How were your previous stints in Brazilian clubs such as Cruceiro, Corinthians and Internacional?</strong></p><p>They’re great clubs and it was good for me to play for them. Those stints were, without doubt, incredible experiences!</p><p><strong>How do you find playing for Al Rayyan?</strong></p><p>I’m feeling very good, very happy. I’m also very eager to be a part of the champion side.</p><p><strong>How do you assess Al Rayyan’s performance?</strong></p><p>We’ve good statistics, but I’m not satisfied. I always want to improve and help my team.</p><p><strong>How do you look forward to the Qatar Clasico? What’s so special about it?</strong></p><p>It’s a much-anticipated game. We’ve to be attentive at all times because Al Sadd have players who can make difference any time. I believe that lack of concentration can affect outcome of the match.</p><p><strong>What do you think the result will be?</strong></p><p>It’s difficult to predict the result. I wish it’ll be a match that fans will like. The more efficient team will win.</p><p><strong>Will Rodrigo Tabata’s absence due to suspension affect your chances against Al Sadd?</strong></p><p>No doubt, it’s a great loss. He is the one who organises the team and who always wants the ball. That makes a difference. But we believe we can win.</p>
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<p><strong>You had lost this season’s first Qatar Clasico. Will you win this time?</strong></p><p>We’ve real conditions to win this time.</p><p><strong>Do you think Al Rayyan can still win the QNB Stars League this season? Or which team will win it?</strong></p><p>There’s a 11-point gap between us and leaders Al Sadd. We’ll try to bag maximum number of points. It’s difficult, but we’ll fight.</p><p><strong>This is coach Bulent Uygun’s first Qatar Clasico. How do you view it?</strong></p><p>He’s a great coach who is accustomed to those big games. He can implement his ideas on the field and make us perform in the best possible way.</p><p><strong>How’s it playing under Bulent compared to that under Argentinian coach Rodolfo (Aurrabarrena)?</strong></p><p>They both have different ideas and different styles of functioning. I always try to learn from all coaches.</p><p><strong>What’s your message to Al Rayyan’s diehard fans?</strong></p><p>Come along with us to support us, we need you! On the field, we’ll do our best to win the game.</p>