Al Rayyan’s new signing Ulises Pascua (third left) poses with club officials during his unveiling. Pascua used to play with now-relegated Al Shahania in the previous QSL season.

By Sports Reporter/Doha


Al Rayyan’s new signing Ulises Pascua has confirmed that he intends to fight for his place in the side ahead of the Lions return to the Qatar Stars League. The former Al Shahania midfielder was the stand out star even though his side was relegated to the Qatar Gas League. The dynamic Argentinian midfielder was quickly snapped up by Al Rayyan on a five-year deal.
Pascua spoke to the Al Rayyan’s official website, as his side begins preparation for the upcoming Qatar Stars League season at their training camp in the Netherlands.

How do you feel about joining Al Rayyan ahead of the new season?
I feel very honoured to be joining such a prestigious club. I would like to thank the Al Rayyan management team who have put faith in me by signing for the team. I intend to give my all in repaying this faith from the management.

What are your goals for the new season?
I have a number of goals which I would like to achieve at Al Rayyan. Firstly I would like to score goals and win titles with this team. Personally I am looking to secure a regular starting place in the side and earn the trust of the new coach Jorge Fossati.

How will you achieve this?
Hopefully I can prove myself at the training camp, by giving my all and showing my determination to succeed. This will be the best way to show my potential for the side.

Al Rayyan has many midfielders in its squad- how do you see the competition for places?
Firstly, I think it’s a good thing that Al Rayyan possesses so many different options in midfield particularly in central midfield. This can only improve the side - this competition will benefit the players. The competition for places will only encourage myself to do better and highlight my own abilities to the head coach.

How do you feel about your time with Al Shahania?
Al Shahania was a very special time for me. I benefited so much from my time with the squad. I personally would like to thank everyone associated with the team who supported me from the very outset.”

What are the differences between Al Shahania and Al Rayyan?
The key difference is that Al Rayyan have always been competing for titles and trophies. A side which has a large fanbase and is passionate about winning trophies. That is not to be disrespectful to Al Shahania, who are an ambitious side. You just feel that Al Rayyan is a much bigger team.”

What are your expectations for the new season?
For Al Rayyan, I expect that we will be amongst the top four sides in the league. I also think that we have a strong chance to win a trophy this season. You just have to look at the talent in the squad we have strong players like Tabata and Koh Myong-jin. Personally, I want to be scoring regularly in the league.”

Finally, do you have any words for the Al Rayyan fans?
The fans are crucial in the success of this club. They are always supporting us, and are crucial in reaching our goal of becoming a top-four side in Qatar. I would like to ask the fans to keep supporting us in the new season, and that as players we will do our best to ensure that this club will return to its rightful place.”