The September coach of the month award was announced today by the Qatar Stars League’s Football Development department. The award went to new head coach Radhi Shenaishil after managing to make an “about turn” with what looked like a team destined for a tough season.

After carefully analyzing the Prozone statistics against the League’s own benchmark targets this month, the award went to Qatar Sports Club new head coach.

Qatar Sports Club had a disastrous start to the season with two big losses; first they were hammered 5-0 by Lekhwiya and then lost badly to Al Ahli 3-1. This left the club’s administration conflicted about the trajectory of the team. 

Out went Ivan Hasek and in came Iraqi head coach Radhi Shenaishil, his affect was immediate and positive. Shenaishil brought the Kings back to winning ways getting a total of 9 points from 3 matches.

They beat Al Sailiya 3-2, Al Shahania 4-0 and Al Khor 1-0. They created 17 chances and managed to only have 6.5 chances against them, in the processes scored 8 goals and conceded just two.

Since the Iraqi coach took charge, statistically the club has improved significantly. In round 4 in particular they had a high number of possessions (511) as well as passes forward (162) compared to the QSL club average.

Their first time passing success rate was 82 and with regards to their attacking play they also had the high number of crosses in consecutive weeks (4 & 5). 23 crosses in round 4 and 17 in round 5 gave them an above average statistic compared to the QSL's club median. 

Shenaishil has got them using the width better with a very even amount of crosses from both the left (12) and the right (11) in round 4. This month they have also been more purposeful in their play with more direct balls into the box.

Their penalty area entries stand at 43, much higher than the QSL average of 34 and their shots on target also was higher than the QSL average (14).

The team has also increased their overall running on the field and this translates into a better intensity against their opponents, their total distance covered being 112148.

The team came back from two big losses and a change of manager, they responded well with three wins on the trot. The Kings will now face Al Gharafa this Wednesday at 17:30 at the Thani bin Jassim for yet another stern test.