Sabail head coach Elvin Mammadov answered journalists' questions after their 2-0 victory over Mingachevir in the first round of the Azerbaijan I League.
Idman.biz presents the interview with reference to QOL.az:
- You started the season with a victory. What are your thoughts on the game?
- Ramiz Mammadov's teams have always given the impression of a combative collective. Ramiz himself was also a characterful football player. We knew that a very difficult game awaited us. There were shortcomings for the first match. Thank God we won our 3 points and started the season successfully.
- Leaving aside the victory, how satisfied were you with the football on display?
- Of course, the game was not exactly as we wanted. There are shortcomings. On the other hand, the players were afraid of making mistakes because it was the first game. We have a lot of work to do. We have to eliminate the shortcomings and play better over time.
- The team's goal is to win the championship. Which teams do you see as the main rivals on this path? Many people mention Shafa and Mingachevir...
- Yes, our goal is to win the championship. Every team is our rival. We don't separate rivals. Sometimes even a team considered an outsider can take points from other teams.
- As in the Premier League, you prefer the same playing style in the I League. The team comes out of defense with a pass. However, in the I League, most teams play with the principle of "kick it forward", so to speak. Don't you think that your preference for technical football might make your job more difficult?
- You know that I am new to coaching. Don't take it as arrogance, but I want this football, this is the path I am on. I'm not saying it's right or wrong. But I think that Azerbaijani football needs this. It's difficult, yes, there will be mistakes, but we don't want to turn away from the path we are on.
- Sabail's budget has decreased significantly, and it is not yet known whether ASCO will sponsor the team. It is interesting, how did you assemble such a squad in the face of so many difficulties?
- First of all, I would like to thank the management, starting with Firuz muellim. The club's employees, the coaching staff - we are all like a family. There is a friendly atmosphere in the team. We had a conversation with the football players. Thank God, they came to help us and to rise to the Premier League together.
- So money didn't play an important role?
- Yes, it didn't. There are things that are more important than money.
- The Iranian legionnaire Ali Babaei did not appear in the match against Mingachevir because he was not ready yet?
- He has just joined the team, and we will give him a chance in the near future.
Idman.biz