Cavid Imamverdiyev: "There is a difference between the previous 'Shkendija' and the current one, we suffered a lot in matches in the past" - INTERVIEW

Interview of Cavid Imamverdiyev, former football player of the Azerbaijani national team and "Neftchi", to AZERTAC

- "Qarabag" will face North Macedonian representative "Shkendija" today in the return match of the III qualifying round of the UEFA Champions League. How do you assess their chances?

- It will be a difficult game. But I believe that "Qarabag" will win. The team is slowly getting into shape. The newly arrived players are also of high quality. I expect a successful result from the Aghdam club today.

- "Shkendija" is a familiar opponent to you. You played against this team in the Europa League as part of "Neftchi". It is true that a lot has changed since then. What can you say about Macedonian football in general?

- North Macedonian football has always been interesting. They have produced good players for Europe. There is a difference between the "Shkendija" of our time and the current one. We suffered a lot in matches with this team in the past.

- In the first match, the fans thought that "Qarabag" would win by a big score. But there was a minimal victory...

- The whole world can play football now. Previously, everyone expected the teams that were favorites on paper to win. But it is not so now. Everything is decided on the field. Even a weak opponent fights to the end.

- "Shkendija" eliminated the Romanian club FCSB from the competition in the previous round. They played more aggressively against that team. But they could not show it in the first game with the Aghdam club. What do you think was the reason?

- Because "Qarabag" is not a weak team. Although "Shkendija" can easily defeat opponents of their level, they cannot show it in matches with our representative. The level difference comes to the fore here. Gurban Gurbanov's team has managed to make a name for itself in Europe. The Azerbaijani champion already has a certain image in the international arena. This is very gratifying.

- Do you expect "Qarabag" to qualify for the main stage of the Champions League this season?

- I believe that "Qarabag" will reach the main stage again. They have already done it once.

- What are your thoughts on your future career?

- I will play in the II League again this season. My new team will be announced in the near future.

Idman.biz