Sport24.az
An interview with "Neftchi" midfielder Elvin Jamalov to Sport24.az
- You won 1:0 against "Gabala" in the 19th round of the Azerbaijan Premier League. What can you say about the game?
- The first half went very well for us. We started the match actively and scored an early goal. We still had chances to distinguish ourselves. Unfortunately, we couldn't take advantage of them. After the break, the opponent also had chances. We fought till the end. Even though we were 10 men, we won a very important 3 points.
- "Gabala" was more active in the second half. What do you attribute this to?
- In the first half, the guys spent a lot of energy. We were applying a lot of pressing forward non-stop. After the break, we kept the score. I believe that we will perform better in the upcoming games.
- After Yuri Vernidub's arrival, the team won 3 victories and drew 2 times, scoring 11 points. Can we say that "Neftchi" has already recovered?
- The games with "Gabala" and "Kapaz" are very important for us. We defeated one, the second remains. If we win in the meeting with "Kapaz", then we can say that "Neftchi" has joined the fight for European Cups. The upcoming match is very important for us. We will do our best to defeat "Kapaz".
- After the match with "Kapaz", there is a game with "Garabagh", and the time of that meeting is being discussed. Can the postponement of the game with "Garabagh" negatively affect "Neftchi"?
- If the game is postponed, the coaching staff will probably take action. In this case, we will not appear on the field for about 2 weeks, which, of course, will affect the team. Because we normally train on a weekly schedule. The end of that preparation is also completed with the game. In any case, we must be ready for this situation. But now we are thinking about the game with "Kapaz".
- There were reports that you would leave "Neftchi" during the winter break...
- I am happy here. It is every footballer's dream to play in a team like "Neftchi". It's true, I would have had more chances when I first came. I haven't been playing much lately. This also causes the spread of certain news. I am currently in "Neftchi", I have a contract until the end of the season. I will try to show myself in a good way in the next 4-5 months and stay here.
- You received an offer from "Gabala" during the winter break. Did you not want to leave yourself, or did "Neftchi" not let you go?
- Yes, I preferred to stay.
- It can be said that the strongest competition in "Neftchi" is in your position. Did this factor not affect your decision?
- Every footballer wants to play more. There is a lot of intense competition in my position. This also has an impact. However, I also want to play more, show myself and get an invitation to the national team. Excluding recent times, I have always played. I will continue to fight after this. No matter how strong the competition is, I will do my best to get a chance.
