KOCHALSKI: "GURBAN GURBANOV IS VERY STRICT"

In 2025, the Azerbaijani champion club Garabagh, which surprised the football world with its achievements, once again attracted attention. It is no surprise that after the Champions League matches, foreign clubs have shown increased interest in the Aghdam players. Today, most of Garabagh's footballers receive offers from Japan, UAE, Germany, Spain, and other countries.

We will tell you about one of them—Polish goalkeeper Mateusz Kochalski, who joined the club in summer 2024. His life changed radically after moving to Azerbaijan.

To recall, in 2021 Kochalski played against Warsaw's Legia in the Champions League qualifiers but did not appear for the main squad and was loaned back to Radomiak, where he spent the season mostly on the bench. His debut in the Polish league came in April 2022 against Cracovia. In June 2022, he signed a three-year contract with Stal Mielec and became the first-choice goalkeeper in the 2023/24 season, making 111 saves and nine clean sheets.

On August 15, 2024, Kochalski transferred to Azerbaijani Garabagh for an undisclosed fee, signing a three-year contract with an option to extend by one more year. After matches against Athletic in Spain and Chelsea in Baku, foreign media began speaking of his promising future. The goalkeeper ranked among those with the highest number of saves in the UEFA Champions League group stage, proving how valuable he is to his team.

During the winter break in Azerbaijani football, we met with Mateusz Kochalski.

"2025 is coming to an end. How do you assess this year for your career?"

"I think it was a successful year, but I cannot say I am 100% satisfied with myself. There were many moments where I could have performed better. At the same time, there were episodes I am truly proud of."

"Did Azerbaijan meet your expectations?"

"To some extent—yes. Azerbaijan is a very interesting country. I was pleasantly surprised by the safety and cleanliness of the capital."

"Every footballer dreams of playing in the Champions League. Now that this wish has come true, what does Kochalski dream about?"

"My goal is to improve every day, play for top European clubs, and debut for the Polish national team."

"With which players was it easiest for you to adapt at Garabagh?"

"I am closest with Alexei Kashchuk. We immediately built good relations, and I spend most of my time with him. But overall, I have excellent relationships with all my teammates."

"Baku is both a big and a small city at the same time. Has your recognition ever helped you?"

"After Champions League matches, it became difficult to simply walk around without taking pictures with fans—and this is very pleasant. Once my parents even received free gifts in a store downtown. I was genuinely surprised—the items were not cheap."

"Azerbaijani cuisine is considered tasty and colourful. What dishes can you highlight?"

"It's hard to say, I am rather picky when it comes to food. But I really like the soups they prepare for us at the club. And of course, pakhlava is my favourite dessert; it’s hard to resist."

"What surprised you most in Azerbaijan?"

"The friendliness and willingness of people to help. As for drawbacks, I would mention the road traffic—it sometimes feels like participating in a race without rules."

"How do you evaluate the level of the Azerbaijani Premier League? Which teams are more difficult to play against?"

"The toughest opponents are Zirya and Sabah. They have quality players and a high level of commitment. Overall, it’s clear the league improves every season, and one must approach each match fully motivated."

"In which Champions League game were you most satisfied with yourself, and in which were you least satisfied?"

"I am most satisfied with the second leg against Ferencvaros in the Champions League qualifiers. Despite losing, I am glad I helped the team advance to the next stage. The least satisfied was the match against Tottenham in the Europa League last season—I think there’s no need to explain why."

"Many say that Garabagh’s head coach is very strict. Is that true?"

"Yes, Gurban Gurbanov is a very strict and demanding coach. But that is exactly why Garabagh performs at such a high level."

"Do you know anything about Aghdam city, which the club represents?"

"We visited the city together with the team, but unfortunately, I am not deeply familiar with its history. I heard about the war and people who sacrificed their lives for their country. It is both a very beautiful and very sad story."

"After Champions League matches, interest from foreign clubs has become usual. In which league do you dream of playing?"

"My biggest dream is the English Premier League. But I understand football is not a computer game; not everything depends on us. If I manage to play in one of Europe’s top five leagues, I will be happy."

"Do you have an idol among goalkeepers?"

"Yes, since childhood my idol has been Polish goalkeeper Artur Boruc."

"What role do social networks play in your life?"

"A minimal one. I am not very active on social media because I don’t see the need. What matters more are people around me—those who are there in good times and bad."

"And finally: what do you wish for yourself and your loved ones in 2026?"

"In sports—I wish to debut for the Polish national team. But most importantly—I want everyone to be healthy and happy. Without that it’s very difficult to achieve goals and dream."