FOOTBALL BROTHERHOOD

The fans have long waited for this match. FC Neftchi of Azerbaijan received the Turkish club Galatasaray in the second qualifying round of the Europa League held in Baku. In the match held without fans due to the coronavirus pandemic, the guest team won with a score of 3:1.

It is no secret that there is a great interest in Turkish football in Azerbaijan, and Galatasaray probably has millions of fans. Although Azerbaijani fans closely follow their favorite club, they did not have a chance to cheer their favourite teams in the stadium. Nevertheless, the head coach of Galatasaray, Fatih Terim, said that they would think about visiting Baku after the pandemic. We interviewed the Vice President of FC Galatasaray, Abdurrahim ALBAYRAK.

“Your short trip to Baku ended in victory. What are your impressions of the match against Neftchi?”

“We didn't part but just said goodbye to our brothers. We take back wonderful memories from our trip to Azerbaijan. Baku charmed us once again. On the green field, two great clubs of two fraternal countries met. It was an important victory for us. Neftchi met us as brothers. Unfortunately, the game was played without fans. The pandemic has prevented fans from being at the stadium. Yet we felt their support. They were with us in their hearts.

“We keep wonderful impressions. I am glad that Galatasaray is so loved in Azerbaijan with its many thousands of fans. If it weren't for a pandemic, we could have competed both in Baku and Istanbul together with our fans. With our fans at the stadium, the match would be even more spectacular. Seizing this opportunity, I would like to express my gratitude to brotherly Azerbaijan for their hospitality.”

“I am interested in your opinion about Neftchi...”

“Neftchi was a tough team to beat. Indeed, you have a good team. There is just a big difference between our championships. I would not like to compare them. I wish Neftchi every success in the Azerbaijan Championship.”

“Head coach Fatih Terim said about the possibility of holding training camps in Azerbaijan after the pandemic. Do you think this is possible?”

“If he said so, he was serious. As you know, it is the head coach who decides on holding training camps. If Terim considers it appropriate to prepare in your country, then this is not a problem. Azerbaijan is a close country to us, which has stadiums that meet high standards. We can organize a small tournament. During the week of preparation, we will play friendly games with your clubs. At the same time, we will enjoy meeting our fans. But only after the pandemic.”

“In 2021, Baku intends to host four matches of the European Championship. The Turkish national team will hold two meetings at the Baku Olympic Stadium here in Baku. Did you like the arena?”

“We knew aout the stadium. And we were surprised, really. The arena was majestic. I think it is even more beautiful with fans. The fact that the Turkish national team plays in Baku is our additional advantage. Azerbaijan and Turkey are fraternal countries. Therefore, we support each other in all areas. Turkey will fight in Baku as in its own territory. Local population will provide maximum support to our players. I think we have a big chance of holding the playoffs.”

“Can Galatasaray cooperate with Azerbaijani clubs?”

“We exchange views with officials of Neftchi. Our cooperation will be beneficial for both parties. I think we need to discussion this topic further. First of all, we must clarify the level of cooperation. We welcome cooperation with Azerbaijani clubs.”

“How does the Azerbaijani football look from Turkey?”

“We can follow the progress of the Azerbaijani football through its games at European cups and international matches. We know about the victory of the Azerbaijani team over Cyprus. The Turkish media made a whole series of articles about Garabagh FC’s performance in the Champions League, particularly its draw with Atlético Madrid. Our journalists pay more attention to Azerbaijani football when Turkish coaches work in your country.”

“It's no secret that football in Azerbaijan is less developed than in Turkey. What are the priority tasks to make football develop?”

“Football in Turkey is going through a period of stagnation. 10-15 years ago we had more star players. Our legionnaires have played in the leading championships of the continent. The current situation is the result of stagnation that lasted for some time. First of all, you need to start with education. It is extremely important. I mean football training. Sport has its own training, its own culture. It is necessary to make children interested in football from an early age, to select the most promising players and send them to football academies. Not everyone will succeed. But even 10 out of 10,000 children are enough to raise normal players. Clubs should not be idle in this regard. It is more difficult to train one football player than a karateka or a fighter. It may seem easy but it is not. Keeping up with modern football is very difficult. Football is developing in every country of the world. Even the weakest countries in terms of football do not give up in front of the strongest teams of the planet. You also need to increase the number of players playing abroad.”

“Is it possible to organize a meeting with Azerbaijani fans during your next visit to Baku?”

“As soon as the pandemic is over. The world has changed a lot over the past year. Our fans were with us at the stadium during every game. Now the whole world is talking about social distancing. It takes time. After returning to normal life, anything is possible, of course. I thank Azerbaijan for the attention to my people, my country, my club. Your every joyful day is a joy for us as well. Believe me, we don't even want to hear bad news from Azerbaijan. Our cooperation in sports is extremely important, as in all areas. This also applies to football.”

“Thanks for the interview.”

“Good luck!”