Umm Salal’s Ivorian striker Yannick Sagbo is confident his side can repeat their fifth place finish in the QSL last term, ahead of the big kick off to the QSL season on the 15 th of September.

Sagbo had an exclusive interview with QSL online, ahead of Umm Salal’s training camp in the Netherlands. The former Evian man enjoyed a fine debut season in the QSL notching thirteen goals in twenty three starts for the Orange Fortress, something he is eager to repeat again. “I want to score fifteen goals this season, this is my target I want to help Umm Salal and beat last year’s total.”

The club have been training at their base for over a week now often in soaring night time temperatures. Despite the conditions, Sagbo is drawing positives ahead of the first match of the season. “The humidity makes the preseason training in Qatar very hard, but we have been working well and I hope the weather can help us to get in shape ahead of the new season.”

Umm Salal have been busy over the summer transfer window signing defender Alan Henrique on a free transfer, whilst also resigning Waleed Mohiyaddin from Al Khor. Despite only training with the side for a few days, the big Ivorian belives they can improve the fortunes of the side. “We shall see how the new players bed in at the training camp in Holland, the squad is doing all they can to welcome them. I am confident they can make an impact for the team this year.”

Sagbo enjoyed a breakout season with Umm Salal last term, and certainly believes that his quick adaption to life in Qatar has benefitted his football. “I like Doha, it’s a small place but everyone here has been friendly since I have arrived here. I have been welcomed and I feel at home with Umm Salal.”

Concluding his chat with QSL online, Sagbo had some thoughts on the current situation at his former club Hull City, after long term manager Steve Bruce resigned from the job, with just three weeks to go to the start of the new season. “From my point of view, this is bad news for Hull City. Steve Bruce knows the team and the players inside out and whoever comes into the team, will have a difficult time ahead of the start of the Premier League.”

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