Al Rayyan Team Captain Rodrigo Tabata spoke with QSL Online and said that the team is on the right track for the season. He observed that the fighting spirit, good management and fans are the true weapon and the secret to the team’s victories so far this season.

Tabata told QSL Online that after defeating QSC 9-0 in Round 9, Al Rayyan, Al Sadd and El Jaish are the strongest teams so far this season. However he added a proviso that the league is still long and will probably witness more surprises.

He explained that it is hard to nominate Al Rayyan for the Qatar Stars League title now because the second half of the season hasn’t even gotten underway.



What do you think of Al Rayyan’s campaign so far?
The team is on the right track towards competing for the Qatar Stars League title. We have gained nine victories in nine Rounds of the Qatar Stars League. Everyone in the team is looking to continue with positive results, we are very much focused.

Huge win over QSC, How come?
It was achieved through discipline, commitment and training hard during the Qatar Stars League stoppage period.

Everybody expected Al Rayyan to defeat QSC?
Expectations are one thing and reality is something else. It is true that QSC is in bad situation and in a deep crisis, but we dealt with the game in a professional manner and with respect for our opponents.



This is the ninth consecutive win for Rayyan; did you expect to achieve that number of victories so early on in the season?
Expectations on the field might be true or false; you don’t really know what is going to happen until you start playing. I believe that our focus during each and every game as well as the opponents we have faced are contributing factors to the victories.

What is the secret behind the victories achieved by the team?
There are lots of factors, most important of which is the spirit of the team as well as the huge role played by the technical staff which is led by Fossati. In addition, the support of the club management which is headed by the Club President Sheikh Saoud Bin Khalid Al Thani. Lastly we can’t forget the role the fans play.



Which team is the best aside from Al Rayyan so far?
Currently El Jaish, Al Sadd and Al Arabi are the closest in terms of points. However the league is still at the beginning and there will be many surprises yet to come.
 
A lot of people have nominated Rayyan to win the league title, what do you think of that?
This is a good thing indeed, but this is just the beginning and we have to continue what we have demonstrated during the previous nine rounds in order to maintain the top spot. As they say, it is hard to reach the top but it’s even harder to stay there!



Some people expect fierce competition between Al Rayyan, El Jaish and Al Sadd.
I expect more teams to compete due to the fact that the Qatar Stars League includes a large number of distinguished and tough teams.

What does Al Rayyan need to win the QSL title?
Nothing, but a bit of luck during the coming games will help.

You excel from one match to another, what is the key to your excellence?
I give everything I have during the training sessions and matches in order to serve the best interests of the team and the fans, who expect a lot from me.

Do you intend to compete for MVP and repeat your 2012 achievement?
Currently I am focusing on the team more than any individual awards. The number one focus is the team and winning the league title.

Who’s the best foreign player so far?
In my opinion, Al Sadd’s Brazilian striker Muriqui.