An interview with Bruno Franko, the Brazilian footballer of "Araz-Nakhchivan", for Telegraf
- You made a confident impression in the first half of the return match against "Aris". How did you prepare for the match psychologically and tactically?
- It was a game that every footballer dreamed of playing. I was looking forward to the return match all week. When I saw the "Kleantis Vikelidis" stadium in Thessaloniki full, I was sure that we would have a great match.
- To what extent did being outnumbered in the second half change your game plan, when you were leading 2:0 in the first half?
- I am a footballer who likes to help the team in attack and be creative. At that time, I almost had to stay only in defense. I had to run twice as much to try to keep the score.
- After Igor Ribeiro received a red card in the 52nd minute of the match, did your team feel discouraged and afraid of losing the victory in this situation?
- As a team, we talked, we realized that we had to run for two people. Honestly, it was very difficult to stay on the field with 10 people. I did my best to prevent the opponent from scoring.
- How difficult was it for you to eliminate a team like "Aris", which has some experience in the European arena and whose budget is approximately 5 times larger than "Araz-Nakhchivan", from the tournament and advance to the next stage?
- Passing the stage at the end of games against such a strong and high-quality team was a very good experience for us footballers. It also brought more confidence and satisfaction to the work of our head coach Elmar Bakhshiyev. In short, we made history in the name of "Araz-Nakhchivan".
- How was this success received at the level of the club management, was there any reward?
- As we expected, everyone was very happy and proud of the result. There will also be a reward for passing the stage.
- What can you say about what happened in the stadium after the match?
- The most dangerous moment for me was the opponent's pressure on the ball in the last minutes. Because it was very risky for us. Provocation is normal in football and will never end. We should not listen to insults, protect ourselves and focus 100% on the next game.
- Sharl Boli and Felipe Santos scored goals in this game. As a defender, did you have the desire or chance to score a goal?
- Santos and Boli are extremely talented players and make a difference on the field. They were the main figures in passing the stage. In defense, we ran a lot so that they could help the team score goals.
- In the next stage, you will face the Cypriot club "Omonia". What are your initial thoughts about this opponent?
- "Omonia" is a very strong team. I believe it will be even more difficult against them. But we will prepare well and show a good game again.
- How important is it for "Araz-Nakhchivan" that the first game is in Baku?
- The difference is not that big. It is very important in terms of fans. If they support us, we will be stronger and fight for them until the end. Thanks to them, we can be successful and go to the return match in a superior position.
- What are your goals as a footballer?
- I want to go down in history with this uniform that brings me happiness and play in the Conference League, which makes my dream come true. I would sacrifice my life for "Araz-Nakhchivan".
Idman.biz