Sport24.az
Interview of Elmar Bakhshiyev, head coach of "Araz-Nakhchivan", to QOL.az
- How are your trainings going? To what extent are you satisfied with the current condition of the players?
- The condition of the players is getting better day by day. Everything is in order. We are doing our best to get the team in optimal shape in a short time. I am satisfied with the progress of the training camp.
- Will it be possible for the legionnaires to fully adapt to the team before the first match against "Aris" in the UEFA Conference League?
- We have time. The newcomers are also adapting to the team. I believe that the team will be ready for the first match against "Aris".
- Although it was said that Patrick Andrade, who left "Qarabag", would move to "Neftchi", he was transferred to "Araz-Nakhchivan"...
- Andrade was a player I liked, whom I wanted to see at my disposal. I am glad that he joined us. I think he will be useful to our team.
- Igor Ribeiro, the main defender of your team, will join "Neftchi" after the European Cups. Are you looking for a back-line player to replace him?
- Igor will be with us in the European Cups. We are not thinking about the future at the moment. Of course, we intend to fill his place.
- Besides defense, are you thinking of strengthening any position, or has the recruitment of the squad already been completed?
- The defensive line that we want to strengthen remains. But in general, if there is a chance to take an extra player, a transfer is possible.
- I guess you have already started analyzing "Aris".
- Frankly, we have not analyzed it in detail. We have general information.
- After the opponent was determined in the European Cups, were there any changes in your plans for "Aris"?
- No. At the moment, we are thinking more about our own preparation, not the opponent. First of all, we need to get the team into the shape we want.
- The Greek club has a total of 22 legionnaires, 8 of whom are Spaniards and graduates of clubs such as "Barcelona" and "Real". It is clear that all this makes the work of "Araz-Nakhchivan" difficult. If we take a realistic approach, how do you assess the chance of passing the stage?
- Yes, the opponent's squad is strong. But as I said, at this moment we are thinking more about having a good preparation and being in optimal shape for the upcoming match. We will approach the opponent correctly and focus on a successful result. Of course, "Aris" is a well-known opponent. However, my players will try to do their best.
- Is the first game in Baku against "Araz-Nakhchivan"?
- After the away goal was canceled, it is no longer important in modern football on which field the first game or the second meeting is held. Therefore, I do not think that playing the first match at home is against us.
