GURBAN GURBANOV: “I AM SATISFIED WITH GARABAGH'S PERFORMANCE”

This season Azerbaijan’s national football champion Garabagh will represent the country in the Champions League after it left the competition at the play-off stage. The Aghdam club successfully performed in three matches, but lost in the decisive game against the Czech club Viktoria. Nevertheless, the Azerbaijani champion is qualified to play in European championships for the ninth time in a row. From autumn, Garabagh will represent Azerbaijan in the continent's second club competition, the Europa League.

On the eve of this prestigious tournament, we interviewed the head coach of the team, Gurban Gurbanov.

“After a five-year break, the club has a chance to play in the Champions League once again. In which game should Garabagh have concentrated more, the game in Baku or away?”

“It would be wrong to speculate about this now. We have to look ahead. In the match against the Czech team, Garabagh played with dignity. We had mistakes. But we fight as a team. No matter if we win or lose, we are still one team. It is time to think about the Europa League.”

“How would you assess Garabagh's performance in the Champions League this season?”

“As I always say, my players are also my fighters. We have had tough games before. We fought against experienced clubs such as Lech, Zurich, Ferencvaros. Today, our club is qualified to play in the Europa League. We know it will be a hard competition. I am happy with our games in the Champions League. Garabagh improves year by year and gains necessary experience.”

“Goalkeeper Shahruddin Magomedaliyev was harshly criticised after the away match in Czechia. Did you expect such a reaction?”

“In football, it's the end result that counts. And the fans always expect only a successful performance from us. It is their right. Football is built on mistakes, which lead to one result or another. As I have said repeatedly before: our defeat cannot be attributed only to Shahruddin. Football is a team game. All of us wanted to play in the Champions League. It is a shame that we failed. Now we should think about the future. I think the players will not forget this match and this factor can affect us.”

“Garabagh will compete in the Europa League as an experienced team. What do you think of the league?”

“The Europa League is a fairly high-level competition. In some respects it is not even different from the Champions League. Regardless of the opponent, we will try to achieve a maximum result. We have injured players. We have a few weeks for their recovery before the competition. We must forget about the Champions League and focus on the Azerbaijani championship and Europa League. We always try to represent Azerbaijan decently. And this time we will do our best to show a good performance again - to the maximum and to please our fans.”

“Do you expect any new transfers?”

“We don't have much time for that. There are several options right now. We want to have strong competition within Garabagh. It is only good for the team if there is a choice among players. We make efforts to make transfers happen even if we are running out of time.”

“Some believe that Garabagh is beyond competition in Azerbaijan. Do you agree with that?”

“We have good clubs all over the country. Given the performance in the European competitions, we have always wished to have more clubs in the group stage. This is a great support for the reputation of football in the country and also progress in terms of competition. The more of our clubs participating in European cups, the better.”

“It would be fair to say that today Garabagh has no rivals in Azerbaijan. In the new season, your team is also the main candidate to win the national championship. Does this factor make your players relax?”

“Confidence always breeds anxiety. I try not to let my players get complacent. This can cause problems. After each victory I ask them to think about the upcoming games. Despite the success, we have to work harder for tomorrow. It is not easy to win gold medals in the national championship. Every season Garabagh wins and shows that it is strong. As we also play in Eurocups, we are fighting on two fronts. Championship of this season has already begun. Our goal is to defend our present title. We will fight to the end both in the championship of Azerbaijan and in the Azerbaijan Cup.”

“Two years have passed since the 44-day Patriotic War in Garabagh. Your team represents Aghdam. Can you share your feelings?”

“As I have said before on several occasions, today our team feels more comfortable on the field. As if a heavy burden has been lifted from our heart. The city of Aghdam has been completely liberated, but there is no infrastructure there yet. As a club we have always tried to represent Azerbaijan with dignity. Fortunately, we have managed to please our fans.”