Sport24.az
After the XXXIII round match of the Misli Premier League "Turan Tovuz" – "Sabah" (1:2), the head coach of "the owls" Valdas Dambrauskas answered journalists' questions. Sport24.az reports that the specialist first shared his thoughts on the meeting:
– I congratulate the players, management, and fans on the last victory of the season. True, we didn't play that well. The game was at an equal level. We got a little lucky and scored goals. The opponent had 3-4 good scoring opportunities. Our goalkeeper performed very well. Everyone is counting the minutes in the last game. It is difficult to motivate the players. We will meet soon in the Champions League qualifying stage.
– Did "Qarabag"'s performance in the Champions League affect "Sabah"'s successful performance in the Premier League?
– You are asking this kind of question in our stadium, in the home of the champion, the cup winner, a team that has not lost 33 games. Please respect us. Gurban Gurbanov also notes that we are the best. But you are always looking for excuses. This is disrespect for our club, our coaches, and our players. I wouldn't want to end the season on these notes. But disrespect towards us is also unacceptable. If you want me to apologize for winning titles, I won't.
– Expectations from "Sabah" are high in the Champions League. For this, there is a need to strengthen the squad. What are your plans regarding transfers?
– We will continue our usual approach. We will gather in mid-June and move towards our goals. After our opponent is known, we will prepare specifically against them. Of course, the result of the draw is important. We had an approach that brought us success throughout the season, we prepared from game to game.
– Your schedule will be heavy next season. What are your plans for vacation?
– Every season is difficult. I also have a vacation plan for myself. I will go to Lithuania tomorrow. A week later, I will go on vacation abroad with my family. After that, we will start training camps in Austria.
– According to reports in the press, Coy Lens Mikels does not want to sign a new contract. To what extent will his departure affect the strength of the team?
– Azerbaijan is a democratic country. Everyone has the right to sign or not sign a contract. You can see such a sign at the entrance to our training base: "No player is bigger than the team". Mikels really had a great season. I wish him and other players the best. We are "Sabah", we are not a team consisting of one player. During the season, there were players who adequately replaced Mikels in matches where he did not play.
