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Tribune News Network
Doha
The reality of being in the top league has been a nightmare for Qatar Sports Club as the team is stuck at the bottom of the QNB Stars League table ahead of their clash against Al Rayyan on Friday.
"I must admit that all matches are difficult for us, as can be understood from our standing in the league table. We've only one victory to show for our efforts. In the last three games, we scored only two goals and conceded 11! We're really struggling to strike a balance in our side, said coach Gabriel Calderon, while speaking to the media on Wednesday.
"I was entrusted with the task of building up a side capable of fighting in the first division, after we earned our promotion from the second division. It takes time, but I don't have time. That puts the team in a spot. One of our strikers hasn't scored a single goal so far. Football is now more about statistics. The players must deliver."
Commenting on the blend of new players with the old, the Argentine said,"We had 13 new players in our side this season. They need time to improve. I'm still hopeful and will try to change the trend. I want our foreign recruits to help the local players. To have a big team, you must've a big mentality.
"Even after six games, we aren't getting the desired results, so we need to do an overhaul within the squad. I take the responsibility, but it's time players pulled up their socks," Calderon added.
Meanwhile, Al Rayyan coach Michael Laudrup said his team needs to keep up the momentum after the big clasico win last weekend.
"It's true that Qatar SC are at the bottom of the table, but from the competition point of view, this is still an important game for us. We've to continue our good work and sustain the momentum if we're to give a shot at the title. I mean there's no room for let-up.
"Qatar SC are a good side. Though they lost badly in their last two matches, they were really good against Al Sadd and Al Duhail. They can put up a good fight and will do everything possible to get points, so we've to be wary of them," he said.
"I'm pleased with my players' performance so far this season. We won five of the six games and also won both matches in the QSL Cup. We had 12 new players in our squad this season, but we straightaway settled into our stride. I'm happy that our games against Al Sadd and Al Duhail are over for the first phase."
On the impact of having a strong squad, the Dane said,"We've a lot of aggressive players and our Under-23 players, such as Ahmed Al Saadi and Sultan Al Kuwari, are doing extremely well. My only concern is that we've to improve our game without the ball. Otherwise, we're playing at a high level."
