Qatar Stars League side Al Rayyan have appointed Younes Ali as their new coach to replace Poya Asbaghi, who was sacked earlier on Tuesday. Rayyan have had a torrid start to the season, winning just two of the five matches so far as the Lions languish at the eighth spot. They were also well beaten by Saudi giants Al Hilal in their AFC Champions League Elite opener.
There were rumours swirling around on Monday that Rayyan had approached Frenchman Herve Renard to become their next head coach. But they ultimately went with someone closer home in former Qatar midfielder Younes Ali, who in fact had lost his job at Al Arabi just five days ago.
Younes has been given a just one year contract, which suggests Rayyan has opted for a wait and watch policy. Sweden’s Asbaghi too joined Rayyan earlier this summer on a one-year contract from Al Shamal. But two recent losses to Al Hilal and in the QSL against Al Wakrah has put an end to the 39-year-old’s reign.
“Al Rayyan Club announces the termination of its contract with Swedish coach Poya Asbaghi by mutual consent between the two parties. The Swedish coach will leave the team after five rounds of the Ooredoo Stars League (OSL),” the club said in a statement before announcing Younes’s appointment on Tuesday.
Younes famously led Arabi to the prestigious Amir Cup title in 2023 – their first in the prestigious tournament in 30 years. However, Arabi struggled under the 41-year-old this season losing all four matches under him as the club swiftly replaced him with former US coach Anthony Hudson.
In his playing career, Younes represented Al Rayyan in 118 games from 2007 to 2013. His first match as Rayyan coach would be against his former club Arabi at the Al Thumama Stadium tomorrow.
In his playing career, Younes Ali represented Al Rayyan in 118 games from 2007 to 2013.
