"As I mentioned, there are injured players in the team. Considering that they will not participate in this game, we are having difficulty building the squad."
This was stated by Adil Shukurov, the head coach of "Sabail", who is competing in the First League, in an interview with futbolinfo.az.
We present that interview.
– In the first game after the winter break, you won 1:0 against "Zaqatala" on the road in the First League. Are you completely satisfied with the game your team displayed?
– The winter preparation period was difficult for us. Our leading player Rahman Hajiyev left the team. In addition, two of our players, Yusif and Zahir, were injured near the end of the training camp, which put us in a difficult situation before the game with "Zaqatala". As if that wasn't enough, Emil Gasimov, one of our main strikers, was injured at the end of the match with "Zaqatala". Considering the slightly injured players, there are 6 people in the team who are undergoing treatment.
– In the next game you will host "Shafa". Will you be able to win and reduce the difference in points with the leader to 3?
– "Shafa" is a team formed from good players and is currently in first place in the competition. The opponent can organize effective attacks as a team. This means difficulty for any team. However, "Shafa" also has weaknesses and we need to try to take advantage of those weaknesses.
– The large number of injured players before the game with "Shafa" cannot help but worry you…
– As I mentioned, there are injured players in the team. Considering that they will not participate in this game, we are having difficulty building the squad.
– "Sabail"'s goal is to return to the Premier League. Will you be able to cope with this mission?
– Of course, as a team participating in the competition, our goal is to return to the Premier League. Everyone in the team understands this well. But this race is a long marathon. What is important for us is to achieve our desire in the end.
– What do you see as the reason why "Sabail", which is playing for the championship, is currently in 3rd place?
– As I mentioned, the goal at the end of the competition is to return to the Premier League. It doesn't matter whether this will be through the championship or the play-offs. The main thing is to achieve the goal.
– What is your general opinion about the current situation of the First League? What do you consider to be the biggest shortcoming in this league right now?
– The First League has its own characteristics. In this league, more one-on-one duels, long passes and a few other factors come to the fore. Standard situations are also an important issue here. The shortcoming is related to the professionalism of the players. As a reason for this, I would say that the financial support of the First League teams is many times lower compared to the Premier League. Because there are players with potential in this league. They just need training facilities.