CONVENIENT, BUT NOT EASY

The Russian press has been paying a lot of attention to the coach Yuriy Semin since he agreed to head the Azerbaijani football club Qabala. There were mixed views on the decision of the eminent Russian coach, who led Moscow's Lokomotiv before, to work in Azerbaijan. They even said that Semin accepted the offer of the Azerbaijani club due to the lack of other options. The Russian press claimed that Semin agreed to work in Qabala because of the very good conditions. The coach himself declined to comment on all these thoughts before commencing his work at the club. We planned to discuss these issues with Yuriy Pavlovich for a long time, but he postponed the interview before the official conclusion of his contract with the club. Finally, Semin agreed to share his thoughts about Azerbaijani football, working conditions and plans for the future with R+.

- No one expected your appointment as head coach of Qabala...

- This is not unexpected. It was an interesting offer, and we came to an agreement. I carefully studied the ambitions of the club. I liked the views of the club's management on the development of football. There is a good infrastructure. We have already signed a contract and have begun preparing for the next season.

- You worked in Moscow and Kiev. Will it not be difficult to work in Qabala?

- Many people think that it is easy to work in Azerbaijan. But I think this is not the case. Here they know football and love it. Demanding a result from the coach is normal. In Qabala there is a good base and stadium, all conditions are right for football, and another large stadium is under construction. I think it will be comfortable to work.

- But Qabala is not the capital, and foreign coaches do not accept job opportunities in the periphery.

- In Qabala nature is very beautiful, I personally really like it. And if there are good conditions and base here, why not work? A real specialist must be able to adapt to the conditions. Wherever I worked, the capital factor was not decisive, and the main thing is the conditions and support from the management.

- And yet, frankly, what factors brought you to Azerbaijan?

- You will not believe it, but I can list them. First of all, I was pleased with the team's high goals. Secondly, there are a lot of beautiful places here. Azerbaijan is close to Russia, and there are flights every day. And finally, it is a rich place (laughs).

- What do you think about the level of Azerbaijani football in comparison with Russian football?

- For any conclusions, you need to study local football, and this takes time. But whatever it is and whatever the level of the championship, you need to prepare seriously everywhere, thoughtfully staff the team, and take a very responsible approach to the job. Each championship is complex in its own way. At the beginning of my coaching career, I headed Dushanbe FC Pamir, which took last place in the championship, but we got out of this situation together. When I came to Moscow FC Lokomotiv, the team played in the first division, but we were able to achieve success. So my work is known and interesting to me. It takes time to develop football.

- Despite the good conditions, Qabala is unable to reach the European Cups. What tasks did the management of the club set to you?

- If there are good conditions, requirements must be appropriate. I will work to ensure that the team struggles for the top places. The coach always faces serious challenges. If the coach does not believe that he can achieve them, then it is better for him to change his job. There are all conditions to turn Qabala into a fighting team, and we just have to work for this.

- Did you consult someone before making a decision?

- I spent a lot of time thinking - all week. I talked to your football veterans. Most of them wanted me to accept the offer of the club. I weighed it all, and decided to sign the contract.

- Upon your arrival in Qabala, the Russian media reported that you will invite a number of players from your homeland.

- Inviting foreign players to strengthen the team is natural. But I am primarily interested in the level of local players. For me Azerbaijani footballers will be the most important. And if we do not find local players for any position, then we will think about foreign players. And in the Russian press, not all information is correct.

- Russian journalists also claimed that you arrived in Azerbaijan because of the lack of other offers.

- I did have offers, but not many. Basically, there were some verbal suggestions, but no specific negotiations. At the meeting with Qabala, we discussed all details, and other options receded into the background.

- Foreign coaches cannot succeed in Azerbaijan. Does it not scare you?

- Absolutely not. I am interested in your football and culture. We have a lot in common. It is quite possible to succeed with Qabala. It takes time to prove this.

- Did you watch matches of the Azerbaijani championship?

- I watched a few games live. The last game was the final of the National Cup between Xazar-Lankaran and Neftci. I saw interesting football. In the championship there are 4-5 teams we want to compete with on equal terms. I would very much like to have a good striker. The club needs a striker to win.

- Will we see football stars in your team?

- There is a need for more good players rather than stars. Some football star live off their names and past successes. And I need players who can be of benefit at the present time.

- So, we will not see Arshavin in Qabala?

- Andrey is a good player, but his question was not discussed. We are currently in negotiations with several players, but none of them is Arshavin.

- How long will it take to complete the staffing of the team?

- I will be able to answer this question after the practice sessions. Now it is important to ensure that Qabala is ready for the championship. By August, we should form a good fighting team. You will see the changes for yourselves. I want to achieve success with Qabala, giving the team a new lease of life.

- What is your main goal?

- To wage a good fight and occupy a high place in the championship. It also includes winning a place in European competitions.