"WE'LL TRY TO GAIN REVENGE"

A number of Azerbaijani soccer teams will start the new season with new coaches. The first such trial befell the Qabala club: after the step-down of Yuri Semin, the club signed a contract with Romanian coach Dorinel Munteanu. Just a fortnight after Munteanu's appointment, for the first time in the club's history, Qabala played a match in the Europa League's qualification round. The Azeri club lost the game 0-2 at home to Bosnia's Siroki Brijeg. Qabala failed to show expressive playing.

In his interview to R+, D.Munte-anu told about the recent match, the team's chances to win the return match in Bosnia and Herzegovina and his plans for training the team.

- The defeat in the first match was unexpected. What are the main causes of the defeat?

- I was satisfied with Qabala's training standards. Our game just failed to work out. We failed to show team play. After the goalkeeper's error, we let the first ball into our goal. As we tried to concentrate and pull a goal back, they scored a second goal. Congratulations to out rivals for the victory. We'll try and gain revenge in the return match.

- The club's website carries your statement that you failed to properly prepare for the European League Cup because you were short of time. Do you stick to your opinion?

- Yes, my opinion remains unchanged. The right approach provides a result. We were short of time to prepare for the match with Siroki Brijeg. But we have a common goal with the club management: to show good playing and make it to the next round. I hope we'll achieve this goal.

- After the 0-2 defeat, the club's chances are assessed as not very high.

- I am sorry about our defeat. But this is football. One game is not enough to judge about the team's labour. We still have chances, although not many. We'll keep on fighting to the end. If we score two goals, everything may change and this can quite possibly be done within 90 minutes. I must believe in the team. Errors are possible in the first game of the season. But the team must feel responsibility. We can outplay the rival if we maximize our efforts.

- After Qabala's top goal-scorer Danijel Subotic left the team, you've got only two forwards at your disposal. Is this enough for the first games?

- We've got problems manning the team. But we've talked with the management about using only the resources that we have now. This is why we are going to build our work basing on available players. As regards Subotic, I would not like to speak about an outgoing player.

- How much are you satisfied with local footballers?

- I am satisfied with their efficiency at training sessions. I hope our efforts will lead us to a good result despite the failure in our first game.

- Why did you choose to transfer Andrei Cristea and Adrian Ropotan to Qabala? Which of their qualities attracted you?

- I have known them for a long time. They are players of a very high class. The team had a vacant midfield anchorman position which was filled by Ropotan. I wanted such a player. He has a lot of experience playing for the Russian premier league. As for Cristea, He'll compete well with Victor Mendy on the forward line. He had a successful season in Romania scoring many goals and making effective passes. We need to reinforce some positions and foster competition. This is why I want to settle the manning issue in the shortest term possible.

- Former chief coach Yuri Semin removed Cristian Pulhac from the first team. But now you fellow countryman is training with the first team. What are his prospects?

- Pulhac still has a six-month contract with the club. I have told all the players, not only him, that they must step on it. I'd like Pulhac to make an even better showing. Because I am not very happy with his current shape. Otherwise he will be left off the first team. Nobody has a guaranteed place on the first team. Everybody must prove that they deserve their positions on the team by working hard at training sessions and playing in test and official matches. The management has trusted me since the first day. I will not compromise with any player. There are no soccer stars to me who deserve special treatment.

- Qabala's management approached you twice. Why didn't you consent the first time?

- Any work must be done carefully and without haste. Our first meeting in Istanbul was effective: we met and had a talk. Both sides needed some time to take a final decision. The second meeting was a continuation of that talk. As a result I became chief coach of the Qabala club. It is no problem that we did not reach compromise at once. It is normal. What matters is that I head the team now.

- What is your assessment of the current team compared to that of Yuri Semin. How will the Munteanu team differ in terms of playing tactics?

- It is very difficult to compare the two teams. Just think: seven players have left the club which is a lot. Virtually a new team is to be set up. My football philosophy is that it must be organized tactically and have a serious playing discipline. My team combines these two characteristics. And, naturally enough, we want stable results.

- UEFA regulations allow you to include a new player on the team even one day before a play in the Europa League. Will you take advantage of that opportunity?

- Even if we do that, I don't think I will field such a player. Because a player who is unfamiliar with the team and has not been trained with them has no chance to step onto the field. This has never happened in my practice and will not be in Qabala.

- After the draw ceremony you said that you would beat the rival but now you are complaining about the line-up…

- As the chief coach, I don't like speaking about problems. The winner psychology must be fostered in the players. I told the management about the need to recruit new players. But we failed to obtain them.

- The club fans were much disappointed at the defeat. What do you want to tell them? 

- I apologize to the fans. I came to develop Azerbaijani football. We must work to correct our errors. Very good conditions have been provided for us, so I must show a result. I have been on the team for only two weeks. When accepting the proposal, I knew where I was going. But I believe that we shall get out of this situation. You will see an absolutely different Qabala in the return match.