KARABAKH SAY GOODBYE TO EUROPA LEAGUE

For Azerbaijani fans, the emotional ride through the Europa League is now over. Our last representatives in the European cup tournaments, Karabakh, have also ended their struggle. Getting through three qualifying rounds and thus inscribing a new chapter in the history of domestic football, the team from Agdam lost in the playoffs to the renowned Borussia Dortmund. Having surrendered four unanswered goals in the away match, Karabakh also suffered a bitter defeat at home. However, even the most optimistic fans did not believe that the club would be able to get to the group stage. In any case, Karabakh deserve our gratitude for giving fans the pleasure of some fine play and the joy of victory on these unbearably hot summer days. There have been quite a few comments and much discussion about the team's performance. But to take stock of the campaign, we turned to one of its heroes - Karabakh head coach Qurban Qurbanov. The young coach, who took leave after the home match with Borussia, gladly answered our questions.

- Karabakh have made history this season. Are you satisfied with the team as head coach?

- Thank you for your kind words. Karabakh represented Azerbaijani football at a high level, with some decent play. We demonstrated a high-class performance at European level. I am satisfied with the team's performance. I thank the players for their fine play, which they achieved in some tough, decisive battles and with the support of our fans. The media also contributed greatly to this - your support before each game inspired the team.

- Initially the team was expected to get through two phases. When did you believe in victory in the playoffs?

- They say appetite comes with eating. After the victory over Metallurg, we had a difficult encounter with Portadown. In these games, the guys proved that they were stronger than the opposition. And then it was Wisla's turn. We beat the Poles 1:0 in the away match and 3:2 at home and got into the playoffs. Desire grew with each victory. The fans' excitement also pushed us forward. However, to tell the truth, when Borussia were named as our opponents, our expectations changed slightly...

- Did you believe in victory?

- In football, anything is possible. As head coach, I was preparing the team for victory. But reality is quite different. Victory over the famous German club seemed unrealistic. I was hoping for at least a draw in the home game. I wanted to leave Europe at peace. It did not work. As for your question, the press supported us until the very last moment. Ahead of the match in Germany, the journalists were assuring us of victory with such certainty that even I believed we could defeat the Germans (laughs).

- Maybe, everything would have been different had it not been for 4:0 in the first game and an error by goalkeeper Farhad Valiyev?

- I am against criticising Farhad. Anyone can make mistakes. Football is a team game. Simply, the team conceded an early goal. We were unable to get a grip on the game. Mistakes in defence played their part as well. What can you do? If there is a winner, there has to be a loser as well.

Still, 4:0 was too much...

- Karabakh have played successfully in the Europa League for two consecutive years. Maybe it's time to become Azerbaijani champions, get into the Champions League and continue to write history there?

- Yes, it would be nice to play in the Champions League. But the championship is a long marathon and it is very difficult to stay in first place to the end. Our players are very tired now. I gave them a three-day break. Then the team joined members of the national team as well. Now all our attention is focused on the national championship. Our victories have inspired us. We dream of successful performances in the Champions League. But look at the competition among the "Big Five". It is difficult to keep up with them. At the moment, we are behind.

- You probably noticed that in the games against Portadown and Borussia, the players failed to make use of standard situations?

- You are right in a way. But everyone saw how serious a team Borussia was. All the players piled into the penalty area. We could not find a single chink. There were many ideas. Before each game, we prepare "surprises" for our opponents. It did not work - Borussia is not an easy team.

- Would you like to meet with Borussia next season?

- I have thought about this. The more we play these kinds of game, the more experience we gain. The matches with Borussia were a kind of school for us. Karabakh gained great experience on the European stage. These things are very important to the development of our football.

- During the match with Wisla, there were 30,000 fans at the stadium. The fans did not abandon the team after it was beaten 4:0 by Borussia...

- Football loses its beauty without the fans. I thank everyone. Hearing applause on entering the stadium, footballers become even more enthusiastic. On the other hand, the name of Karabakh is sacred for us. Our successful performance in Europe glorified the name of our holy land. Now everyone knows that Karabakh is a team from Azerbaijan. Those who come to the stadium included not only fans, but those who want to help the team and support it. On seeing them, you realize that you have achieved something.

- Now it is time to think about the Azerbaijani championship. Are Karabakh ready for a hard fight?

- Frankly, the team is not ready yet for the Azerbaijani Premier League. We need a little time. The players are very tired. They have been away for a long time and have not seen their families. But there is a little time before the next game. We will be preparing.

- After the team's successful performance, the number of your fans has increased. Some journalists have even begun to suggest recruiting you for the national team...

- Thank you for your confidence. Working with the national team is a great honour for any coach. However, I have a contract with Karabakh, and I intend to see it through. At the moment, I am concerned with the team's upcoming matches.

- Thank you for your sincere answers.

- Thank you for not forgetting about us.