"This is a big game. If the match was in Baku, the story could be completely different. The pressure at "San Mames" is very high."
This was stated by Spanish footballer Dani Quintana, who played for the Aghdam club for 5 years, in an interview with Telegraf.
We present that interview:
– Your former club "Qarabag" will play against "Athletic" today. What are your expectations from the match?
– "It will be a difficult game for "Qarabag". Nothing is a surprise for them anymore. "San Mames" is a difficult stadium even for the strongest teams in Spain. Anything is possible, but they will have to work hard to win points.
– How would you describe the football atmosphere in Bilbao?
– The atmosphere in Bilbao is great. It is one of the best in Spain. This is a game that "Qarabag" players should enjoy and at the same time try to bring a positive result.
– In a statement to the local media, the head coach of "Athletic" said that they will win against the Azerbaijani representative. How do you feel about this opinion?
– I think the head coach should say what they think and believe in it. But I am sure that he also knows that this will be a difficult game for them too.
– In your opinion, what are the strengths and weaknesses of both teams?
– "Athletic" is a very strong team, especially in home games. "Qarabag", on the other hand, has been working with the same coaching staff for years, every football player knows very well what to do and how to play.
– Before this match, were you asked questions about "Qarabag" or "Athletic"?
– Only journalists are interested. Everyone in Spain is interested in the period I spent in Baku. I am happy to tell them how happy I was in Azerbaijan and in "Qarabag".
– Do you plan to watch the game from the stadium? Also, who would you like to meet from your former team?
– I will not be able to watch this game because I am on vacation. But I will go to watch "Qarabag"'s match against "Napoli" in Naples.
– Are you still in touch with anyone from "Qarabag"? Have you spoken to Gurban Gurbanov?
– I sometimes talk to the goalkeeper Shahrudin, I write comments on Zubir's "Instagram" posts. I have not spoken to Gurban muallim directly. But I conveyed my congratulations to him and the team through the translator Elvar Guliyev (translator-editor).
– In your opinion, what advantages does "Athletic" have by playing at home?
– This is a big game. If the match was in Baku, the story could be completely different. The pressure at "San Mames" is very high.
– Have you watched the recent games of the "Köhlən horses"?
– I watched the game with "Copenhagen". For me, the best football player is Zubir. When I was there (together with Michel), he was the best. But if I have to talk about new football players, Marko Jankovic and Leandro Andrade are my favorites. From "Athletic", the Williams brothers are very dangerous, especially Nico.
– How do you assess "Qarabag"'s performance in European tournaments in recent years?
– Their situation is very good now. The key to success is stability. Experience also helps in such games, it becomes easier for football players to accept such meetings normally.
– How would you compare "Athletic"'s style of play with other Spanish teams?
– They are a very physically strong team. It is not easy to follow Azerbaijani football, but I feel that "Qarabag" is getting stronger every year and winning the championship more and more easily. This is an opportunity for every football player in "Qarabag" to show himself on the world's biggest football stage. I think they do it very well.
– What is your message to "Qarabag" fans?
– "Qarabag is lucky to have such fans. This relationship is mutual, the fans are also lucky to have such a strong team. I am very happy to be a small part of the club's history. I am grateful to the club for this.