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"Qarabag should now focus on the Premier League".
This was stated by Artim Shakiri, former football player of "Qarabag", in his interview with sportal.az.
The former captain of the North Macedonian national team evaluated the Aghdam club's performance in European Cups.
We present that interview.
- I am asking because I know that you are constantly following Qarabag's performance, will your former team be able to show a more worthy fight and result in today's return match with Newcastle?
- Even before the first game with Newcastle, I said that this game will be more difficult than any game so far. Players must fight and play for the club's reputation. I am sure that Qarabag will play until the end tonight, confidently and fiercely. As for the first meeting, Qarabag must prove that they only had a bad day in Baku.
- What was the main reason for the 1:6 defeat in the match in Baku? Newcastle played with great pressure from the first minute to the 45th minute, and even the score could have been even worse...
- That's right, the game started very hard and could have been even harder. I was watching the game. Everything started very well for Newcastle from the first minute. You know, they are a Premier League club. Which comes from the best league in the world. This also has an impact. In any case, they play at a high pace every round. They also apply this in the Champions League.
- If we don't take into account the 2:2 draw with Chelsea in Baku, Qarabag lost 0:6 to Chelsea in London before, 0:6 to Liverpool this season and 1:6 to Newcastle in Baku. Is it possible to say that the representatives of the country that Qarabag has the most difficulty with are the clubs of the English Premier League?
- I said earlier that the English Premier is the strongest in the world. All the teams you mentioned also represent England. Each of them is a difficult team. Their game speed and tempo are different. In any case, every football player must always play to the end. I think they will.
- How would you generally evaluate Qarabag's performance in European Cups this season? Was it a surprise for you, or was it possible to go further?
- Qarabag played very well this year. Their reaching this far in the Champions League, the results were not surprising to me. Because I know how they got to these places. There was a certain system, the club management, the coaching staff and the players achieved these successes together.
- Qarabag will probably end its performance in Europe. After that, they will play their next match against Sabah in the Premier League. The championship fight is between these two clubs. It is usually said that it is always difficult for local clubs after Qarabag finishes its performance in Europe. Do you think it will be like that this time?
- Of course, Qarabag should now focus on the Premier League. In any case, they have to do this to become champions and play in the Champions League again. I am sure that Qarabag will fight to the end for this as well. Qarabag plays on several fronts, playing in different tournaments is both good and tiring. But I believe that Qarabag will achieve the desired result in the league despite all the difficulties.
