Al Rayyan coach Rodolfo Arruabarrena spoke to the media ahead of their QNB Stars League Week 1 match against Al Ahli.

“We could not have sought a better start to the new season than we had with the Sheikh Jassim Cup triumph. That has tremendously boosted our players’ confidence. More importantly, beating Al Duhail has helped us stand in good stead.

“I would say the Sheikh Jassim Cup is a closed chapter now and we have to turn a new leaf with regard to the QNB Stars League. It’s going to be a difficult game against Al Ahli. They had played some tough games last season, I understand.

“However, I have confidence in my players. I do not want to make tall claims at the start of a fresh league season. We only had 20 to 25 days together to prepare for the tournament.

“You have to work and work, correct the mistakes and improve the game. At the moment, we are not worried about victory or defeat. We are in the process of building a formidable side.

“The first priority goes to the players. Coach comes only after that. I want our results to speak for us,” said Arruabarrena.