Idman.biz
"Sabah" has stopped competing in the Europa League. The "Owls" were defeated in the first qualifying round duels with "Celje" (Slovenia) (2:3, 3:3).
Idman.biz reports that Agaselim Mircavadov, the former head coach of the Azerbaijan national team, evaluated the games in his statement to "FutbolPress".
The experienced expert said that there was a big difference between the two games: "In the return match, "Sabah" looked more alive, eager, and aggressive. Some things had changed in the team. They seemed to have a desire to advance to the next stage. However, the game going into extra time and the team's fatigue caused the opponent to stand out. The players of "Sabah" cannot be blamed. They did their best, worked hard, but it didn't work out."
He touched upon the shortcomings in "Sabah": "One of the important factors in football is desire. It is true that the team was eager, it seemed that they were well prepared for the game psychologically. However, the mistakes in the first game, especially the problems in defense, caused the round to be lost. In the last minute of the first game, "Sabah"'s central defender missed his opponent, remained motionless, and it ended with a goal, and perhaps this was the moment that caused the round to be lost. The problems in defense are obvious. In yesterday's game, the team's right flank did not look good, and "Celje" made their main attacks from here. In their equalizing goal, our defender also missed the opponent player. In addition to defense, the team's midfield also lacked creativity. Although the team's flanks were active in attack, there were shortcomings in organizing the game from the center. "Sabah" needs to solve this issue. Both new transfers are needed, and the team needs to improve in terms of the game."
Mircavadov talked about the work of the team's new head coach, Valdas Dambrauskas, and shared his expectations from "Sabah"'s performance in the Premier League: "The head coach is new. It is impossible to demand something from him in 10 days, to evaluate him. But I can say that there was a big difference between the two games. Mistakes had been worked on, some changes had been made. But again, it's too early to say anything. As for the team's goals in the championship... You know, 15 years ago it was possible to say that 5-6 teams would compete for the championship in the league. But it's not like that now. There is only "Qarabag". It is impossible to say that anyone else will claim the championship. However, if there are many candidates, it will also be beneficial for "Qarabag", they will approach the games more seriously, competition and level will increase. I cannot say now that "Sabah" will fight for the championship."
The former coach talked about "Sabah"'s opponent "Petrocub" (Moldova) in the second qualifying round of the Conference League: "Although the team said goodbye to the Europa League, they continue their journey. This time, the opponent is lower in level than "Celje" and "Sabah" should pass the stage. There is a week left and I believe that they will prepare well and pass the tour."
Idman.biz
