ERA OF ATTACKING FOOTBALL

The last football championship of Azerbaijan was a significant event thanks to the result demonstrated by the oldest club of the country, Neftchi. Although the team coached by Tarlan Ahmedov was awarded a bronze medal, the management was not satisfied with the result. The contract with Ahmedov was not extended, and he was replaced by an Italian specialist.

After a short search, Roberto Bordini was entrusted to coach the team for the next two years. The issue with the transfer of all football players chosen by him was also solved.

After Neftchi’s training in Antalya, we decided to talk with the new coach to learn more about his plans for the team.

Did you know anything about Neftchi before receiving an invitation?

I knew the team from the games in European competitions. I remember that Neftchi played with Inter (Milan). At the first meeting with the president of the club, we came to a common opinion and understood each other. The management provided us with enough information about the history of Neftchi. We also talked about its achievements and objectives. That was enough, and I accepted the invitation.

None of the foreign specialists has won the championship in the history of Neftchi. If you achieve championship, you will be the first one. Do you know this?

I am an ambitious person. I believe that I can achieve success in Neftchi with hard work. I have been in this field for many years. I have worked in several countries. I am fully aware of my responsibilities. I will grapple this issue with pleasure.

Have you followed the team's games after receiving an invitation? Which positions do you consider necessary for the transfer of players?

I have watched several games of the team and discussed with the management some questions related to the composition, conducted a partial assessment. There are some ideas. In the course of work, we have exchanged views regarding transfers. I can say that all the questions on transfers have been resolved.

Did they request you to become a champion? If so, how are you going to overcome the Garabagh that you know well?

Although the last champion is Garabagh, Neftchi also repeatedly became a champion. The club has many titles. A new season awaits us. Now we must speak not of the past, but of the future. We will try to be successful. But I do not think that we are the only ones to face difficulties.

Are you going to invite any player from Sheriff?

The main thing is not who and from which country is invited. It is important that the player corresponds to the spirit of our team. For me, this is an important criterion.

If compared with the champion of Moldova, will you work with a larger or smaller budget?

My duty is to act as head coach. It will be wrong if I answer this question. I can only say that we will try to achieve the goals together with the leadership of the club.

Both goalkeepers in the club are Azerbaijanis. Do you feel the need to invite a foreign goalkeeper?

We have three local goalkeepers and we are happy with them. There is no need for another pair of gloves.

Italian specialists are known for football with reliable defence. Neftchi became famous as a team that prefers attacking football. What style will you choose?

I want to assure you that I am not going to put all eleven players into the defence. My views on football are based on the aggressive style of the game. Of course, from game to game, changes in some episodes are possible. But I love and use attacking football.

How many people will be in the coaching corps and will there be local experts?

One Italian coach arrived who will be engaged in physical training. We also plan to include a number of assistants and local specialists.

What was your reason for leaving the Sheriff?

With Sheriff, we have achieved successful results. I just decided to change my job.

Perhaps, you have already formed a general impression of the team. Theoretical acquaintance based on video recordings is important but training the team in practice is more important.

Of course, being with the team, attending workouts directly is quite another experience. I'm satisfied with the general course of preparation. The team is working hard to achieve the best results. Some players may not be ready yet. Also, please note that the players are not accustomed to such workouts yet. Therefore, certain problems are possible. In general, basic training goes well for now. We work every day, mainly improving our level and physical fitness. But the current state is also satisfactory. In general, I'm satisfied.

Have you faced such a bad luck in the Euro Cup draw?

What do you mean?

I mean the rival in the second stage. What do you think about our possible rival, Sevilla?

Sevilla is our rival in the second classification stage. We have yet to defeat our first rival, Ujpest. The competition will begin with a home game with Ujpest. We cannot think about the second opponent throwing the first one aside. We are preparing, first of all, for a successful game with the Hungarians. Then we can think about the second opponent.

Ujpest is not a desirable opponent either...

True. With the Hungarians, we had some friendly encounters before. They play a hard game. I have information about Hungarian football, about our rival.

What other dangerous components of their game style can you mention? What are their weak points that can be used to neutralize Ujpest?

I had no chance for extensive analysis of our rivals. From the video recordings of some of their games, I can say that this is a high-speed team constantly on the move. Sometimes they attack with six players. Several players are more powerful and play actively.

In conclusion, let’s talk about the Azerbaijani football. The leadership of the club hopes that you will make Neftchi a leader. Are we going to see a new Neftchi in the new season?

I have realized that Neftchi really deserves to be a champion. The second and third places in this team are considered as a success. Undoubtedly, you will see a completely new team. We will fight for the championship. Our main rival will be Garabagh. Competition against him will worth it. I ask the fans to support our team. First of all, we must try to get access to the European League.

DOSSIER

Occupation: Head Coach of FC Neftchi

First name: Roberto Bordini

Date of birth: 10/10/1965

Place of birth: al-Zawiya, Libya

Nationality: Italy

Height: 172 cm

Position: Mid-fielder

Career: Triestina (Italy, 2016), Sheriff (Moldova, 2016-2018)

Achievements: two-time champion of Moldova (2016, 2017), winner of the Moldova Cup (2017), winner of the Super Cup of Moldova (2017).