Sport24.az
After the match between "Shamakhi" and "Sabah" (1:2) in the second round of the Misli Premier League, Aykhan Abbasov, the head coach of the home team, answered journalists' questions. Sport24.az reports that the expert first expressed his views on the meeting...
– We knew it would be a difficult game. They are in better shape than us. It was only our second official game. We started the match badly. Except for the first 10-15 minutes, I am satisfied with my team's game for the rest of the time. We had episodes, but we couldn't take advantage of them. We couldn't use our chance after the equalizing goal either. We played confidently against Sabah. We wanted to win at least one point today. We deserved it. The championship is a long marathon. We will look at the next game. We have a trip to Sumgayit ahead of us. We must be fully focused on this match.
– Do you blame your goalkeeper Ricardo for not coming out for the ball in the first goal?
– It was a difficult ball. It wasn't a big episode. Just a moment of inattention caused the goal. Maybe this goal caused the defeat.
– Sabah hadn't won here for many years...
– The game chance was on Sabah's side. We can't stand out from the standard, they do. Rossi couldn't capitalize on two episodes. There were mutual episodes. It cannot be said that our players performed poorly. Football luck was on Sabah's side.
– Edgar Adilkhanov is not at his previous level. What happened to him?
– There were many questions about Edgar not being in the main squad in the last game. I always say that players have a transition period. Every player must be able to handle the pressure. We were not completely satisfied with Edgar. He wanted to do something today. Hopefully, he will get back in shape. I had a one-on-one conversation with him. Young people need support.
– There was a pull against Rossi in the second half. Did you watch the episode?
– All the fouls were on our side. I jokingly said that they used to stop the game when the ball was in the air in away games. For two games, the referees' sympathy has been on the opponent's side. It's as if it's because of their names. It felt like we were playing away today. On the one hand, it's good that the referees are teaching us to be stronger.
– Last year, Rauf Allahverdiyev made a mistake in the "Neftchi" – "Sabah" game in the Azerbaijan Cup and was removed from refereeing. Do you think there is pressure on other referees now?
– It is necessary to ask them. Our referees are not weak. They also receive international appointments. We want the game not to be stopped for every small foul. There was a foul in Rossi's episode, but the referee didn't stop it. He didn't even give a card to the opponent after the episode. Anyway, it is impossible to prove anything to the referees. No matter what we do, we are wrong. Let's not put pressure on the referees.
– Raul Hajiyev was on trial at your camp in the summer. He was a citizen of Georgia, but then stayed. Does AFFA help you in this matter?
– There are some issues. Time is needed for the processes. We have not had any appeals regarding Raul.
