In the second leg of the UEFA Champions League playoff round, Qarabağ will host Ferencváros, Apasport.az reports.
A press conference was held with our representative’s head coach, Qurban Qurbanov, before the match.
“We all know that this game is important. It is a crucial match. But we must remain extremely calm. Of course, the desire is there, the game thinking, the ability are all in place... It is very important that we act calmly. We are playing against a very good opponent. The result of the first match shows a slight advantage for us. But we should definitely not think about that game. We must not lose this game here. It is a very dangerous opponent with a unique style of play. They do not allow us to position ourselves correctly on the field. In any case, we expect the opponent to take more risks. We must be ready for that. We watched the game and touched on some details. We will try not to lose focus tomorrow, stay calm until the end, and do our best for a good result,” said Gurban Gurbanov.
Qurban Qurbanov stated that Qarabağ’s good results have always been due to their style of play and ability: “We have never abandoned this. Neither I nor the players think that we will play defensively just to protect the result. We will simply try to do what is necessary on the field tomorrow. We will try to do our best. What we pay more attention to is playing more attractive football. We will try to maintain possession of the ball. We do not have the mindset to purely defend just to avoid conceding a goal. On the contrary, we play football for the fans and for the result. Scored goals are very important. My constant demand is that we score goals. At the same time, we keep our goal intact. We will play tomorrow as we have played many matches before. I cannot say in advance what problems await us. What surprise the opponent will bring, what pressure they will apply — the players must be ready for that on the field tomorrow. They must not allow the opponent to realize their plans.”
He emphasized that after the away game, everyone sees Qarabağ as the winner of the tie, which creates excitement among the players: “They must be ready for this. My conversations with them are mostly in this direction; they must be prepared. If we pay attention to thoughts outside the game, it will hinder us a lot. Psychological preparation comes first and foremost. I believe we are capable of this.”
Gurban Gurbanov also noted that he had confidence both in the game against Copenhagen 8 years ago and now.
Thanking the fans, the head coach of Qarabağ mentioned that the condition of Nariman Akhundzade has normalized: “It has normalized. I would not say he is completely well. But today is our day. By tomorrow evening, everything will be fine.”
Gurban Gurbanov also commented on the appointment of the referee (French referee Clement Turpin- ed.): “There is no concern on my part. Because, in general, the fact that such referees come to Azerbaijan and officiate here... who have refereed the finals of the Champions League and Europa League. His coming here for such an important match shows the seriousness of UEFA’s referees committee. It shows the importance of the game. I do not believe anyone should have any concerns. Referees have now reached such a level that I do not believe there are any thoughts or doubts in such games. Therefore, there is nothing that will affect either my or the team’s preparation.”
He added that Ferencváros is a completely different team: “Both teams have their own strengths, their own philosophy of play. We have good relations with Cherchesov (former head coach of Ferencváros-ed.). We faced each other in the previous game. At his time, the squad, players, and team had a different mentality. Robbie Keane being the head coach of the team is an additional motivation for the team. Now perhaps the team makes faster attacks, wants to be at the opponent’s goal more quickly. During Cherchesov’s time, the team played in a different system. Neither team was easy for us. If I were to say that the previous one was stronger or the current one, it would be unethical. At that time, there was a strong team in front of us, and now there is too. This club has its own core, its own history. Any coach in this club would want to leave the field as a winner. Tomorrow, a motivated and strong team will face us.”
Gurban Gurbanov confirmed the transfer of Camilo Duran to Qarabağ.
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