Sport24.az
Interview of "Karvan-Yevlakh" football player Araz Abdullayev to Sport24.az
– What happened in the second half that you couldn't keep the score?
– We started the game well. We just needed to keep the winning score. We conceded a very early goal in the second half. We wanted to get at least one point from this game. After the coaching change at Neftchi, it is noticeable that there have been changes in their game and system. It really showed in the last two matches. We also fought well. Again, I say, we wanted to get at least one point from this match. Fate... We will work on ourselves.. It is clear in recent games that this team gives hope. God willing, we will prepare well for the second half, work on our mistakes and keep our team in the Premier League.
– You punished your former team by opening the score in the match. What can you say about this?
– No, I wouldn't say that (laughs). I didn't even rejoice after the goal. I even showed the fans, how can I say, not as an apology, but I showed that I was not happy. A goal is always internally joyful, but Neftchi is like my home. I grew up there since childhood. Some people, maybe the younger generation, or some people may not have wanted to see us there very much. But I always have love and respect for Neftchi. It is our flagship. Neftchi is Neftchi, we always know that. But today I am here, I am protecting the honor of Karvan-Yevlakh and I am ready to do whatever I can. Today, Yevlakh fans are dissatisfied with our results, but we are trying our best to make them happy.
– You have become the leader of the team both as a captain and in terms of the game. How do you evaluate your performance?
– It depends on the situation. There was also a change of coach, I would say that our new head coach is more demanding. This is reflected in the last games. If you look at every football player, you will see that he is more comfortable, moves more in the game. Everyone's performance has increased. We are trying, I feel good and I am trying to increase this performance as much as it goes.
– Speaking of fans, after the defeat in the previous round, the team was booed, but today, even if you lost the game against Neftchi, they applauded you in the end. Do you think this is because of the team's determined game?
– Yes, of course. To be frank, after two difficult games in a row with Qarabag, our team was physically tired after the 60th minute. During that period, facing Qarabag twice was a very heavy burden for us. After that, we faced Shamakhi, who are also a very "tough" opponent, they always press in front. We conceded easy goals there and I would say the team was a little discouraged. But game by game, everyone sees that Karvan-Yevlakh is improving. We want to keep it that way. The management and fans should understand that this is a process, you have to endure. If Yevlakh fans play well, they applaud. Who will support you when you play badly and lose? Only your family, your loved ones. This is also understandable. We are now in a situation where we can get out of this situation by enduring and working on our mistakes.
– Will you succeed?
– When you say will you succeed, we always try.
