Former "Qarabağ" goalkeeper Farhad Veliyev gave an interview to futbolinfo.az.
- "Qarabağ" will play its first match in the League stage of the Champions League against "Benfica" away today. What result do you expect? Does "Qarabağ" have a chance to return from Portugal with a successful result?
- It will be a very difficult game. Because if we look at history, "Benfica" is one of the clubs with the most appearances in the Champions League. For this reason, "Qarabağ" is waiting for a tough away match. Of course, anything can happen in football. But "Benfica" is really a strong opponent. If "Qarabağ" achieves a successful result in Portugal, it will be a great achievement.
- We know that Portuguese clubs also like to play with the ball, and the opponent has players with a high level of skill. Can these points prevent "Qarabağ" from showing its game?
- Of course, like other Portuguese clubs, "Benfica" has always been distinguished and in the lead with its technique and good football. But "Qarabağ" also likes to play with the ball. I think that even if "Benfica" attacks with great force, "Qarabağ" also has players who handle the ball well and are technical. In this regard, our representative will not lag behind "Benfica", will try to show its game and achieve results.
- A new striker transfer was not made, and Nariman Akhundzade is also injured. Against this background, who do you think will take the lead in the attack in "Qarabağ"? Also, who do you expect to score in our champion's squad today?
- Yes, Nariman is injured, it was not possible to transfer a new striker. This can create additional difficulties for the team. Apparently, they could not find a player that completely suits "Qarabağ" or an agreement was not possible with the players they were negotiating with. You know that it is difficult to bring a good football player to Azerbaijan. Perhaps they will be able to transfer a quality striker in the coming months, they are probably looking for it. Although Nariman is injured, there is Musa Gurbanli. He has also been showing lately with his game that he can take a place in the main squad. In addition, "Qarabağ" has many attacking players. I think that Gurban muallim will be able to find a solution to this. Although it is difficult, we expect goals from "Qarabağ" away.
- Everyone knows the level of the opponents in the League stage. In your opinion, how many points is "Qarabağ" capable of collecting in this stage?
- All of "Qarabağ"'s opponents in the League stage are strong clubs. When we look around, we see that there is no weak team in the Champions League. This means that each of the 8 games will be difficult for "Qarabağ". In particular, away matches will be difficult. In this sense, I think they will score few points in away matches. But in Baku, "Qarabağ" can steal points from its opponents and win.
Idman.biz