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Gurban Gurbanov: I was under intensive pressures recently

28 August 2007 14:04 (UTC +04:00)

- How did you react to the appointment of Vlastimil Petrjela the coach of Neftchi?
- I know that Vlastimil is in Baku. I had conversation with him.
- What made his appointment necessary in your opinion?
- We had meeting with club president Rovnag Abdullayev before Petrjelaâ€™s arrival. We were interested in the future activity and development of the club. I faced intensive pressures both from media and football specialists. We could not succeed in the country cup and championship. Some people explained it with lack of experience. I do not want to make any comment just saying that if it were so we could not struggle to the end. I did not have enough power so I decide to finish career. I shared my views with club leadership. The leadership decided to appoint me sport director in the end. The agreement is not in force yet.
- What are your responsibilities as sport director?
- I must choose footballers and new coaches for the team and is responsible for the fast development. I will lead the team against Inter. After that I will start to carry out my new responsibilities.
- When did you start to look for new head coach?
- Following the match with Turan we immediately started to search for new coach. We got in contact with Vlastimil Ptrjela. We were informed that he was jobless so the leadership invited him to Baku and signed contract. He is to work on a one year contract for some period.
- Why did you stay on Ptrjela?
- He is first of all very experienced. We knew him when he worked for Zenit. We got interested in his work principles. Every coach has his own idea of football. He prefers the game style which is close to Neftchi game. We intend to hold detailed discussion with him
- What were Petrjelaâ€™s first impressions on the team?
- He is pleased with the todayâ€™s condition of the team. He thinks the team has capabilities to develop. We expect better results for the team.
- Did the new coach promise to make the team champion?
- It is not frequently met case in modern football. Today even weak teams resist their strong opponents. Turan defeated us in the first round. I were abroad many times. We will continue to pay visits to foreign countries to gather information.
- Will Petrjel bring new footballers and assistants to Neftchi?
- Of course he will. Petrjeal will have his own assistants. New transfers are not expected.
- Are you upset for leaving the coach post?
- No. I was asked such questions when I left football. I was very grateful to Rovnag Abdullayev when he appointed me the head coach. I always made decisions consciously.
- Do you think to become the coach in the future?
- It depends on our work. If I fail to carry out my responsibilities I will leave the team. I will now have much time to implement my opinions. My new post does not make my responsibilities less. /APA-Sport/