Rimas Kurtinaitis: "We are not afraid of Neftchi, the final series will not be easy" - INTERVIEW

Rimas Kurtinaitis, head coach of the Sabah basketball team, answered the questions of "Report". The experienced specialist spoke about his goals in the final series of the Azerbaijan Basketball League and the level of the championship.

- The team has reached the final of the Azerbaijan Basketball League for the third time in a row. What are your impressions?

- From the beginning of the season, our goal was to keep the title of Azerbaijani champion to ourselves. We are currently moving towards this. Our current goal is to win the final series.

- You will face Neftchi in the decisive round. What can you say about the opponent?

- Neftchi is a good team. This season, the two strongest teams will face each other in the final series. We are not afraid of the opponent, we respect them. We have seriously prepared for the final. We know it won't be easy. The first game in the final series is always very important.

- Did you expect your opponent to advance to the final?

- I cannot speak for other teams. Coaches and players have changed in Neftchi. It was difficult to express an opinion during the season. I can't say that their promotion to the final series was unexpected. I think they deserve the final.

- Can you compare the level of this season's tournament with the previous season?

- I think that the level of the Azerbaijan Basketball League has increased compared to the previous season. This was due to the change in the legionnaire limit. There is also a sense of development in Azerbaijani basketball players.

- Speaking of local players, are you satisfied with the Azerbaijani basketball players in your team?

- Shirzad Shirzadov and Ramiz Guliyev are showing development. Young basketball players Alikamran Mammadov and Aydin Ibrahimov are also working hard on themselves. There is progress. Their future is still ahead.