Sport24.az
Interview with Farid Namazov, head coach of "Imishli", to Sport24.az
- Your team has qualified for the Premier League under your leadership. What are your impressions about this?
- It's a great feeling to return to the Premier League after a 19-year break. Maybe the people of Imishli wanted this more than we did. They had been without football for a while. The stadium was also neglected. But after 2022, it returned to big football. In 2025, it rose to the elite.
- The AFFA Licensing Commission has also given permission to "Imishli"...
- Actually, as far as I know, the team met all the requirements last year as well. However, due to the position in the tournament table, a place in the elite was not obtained. At that time, "Shamakhi" won the qualification. This year, as much as we were interested in the main team, we did our best to meet the licensing requirements. There are many criteria there. They needed to be completed. The management coped with this. As a person involved in the work, I can say that everyone worked day and night for this. Because we knew that if we took a place in the First Division, we would not be allowed into the Premier League if we could not meet the licensing criteria. Thank God, we coped with it.
- How do you assess the team's performance in the First Division this season?
- There was a period of ups and downs in a certain part of the season. But the team has not lost in the last two months. We are performing stably. Everyone united as a city, wanted the Premier League. We coped with this too. Maybe if we hadn't lost so many points, we would have been closer to Gabala. The points we lost by giving gaps took us away from the leader. But we have risen to the elite. That is the main thing at the moment.
- Speaking of the Premier League, what will be your main goal next season?
- Maybe we are late. But it would be more correct to talk about these issues after finishing the last two rounds in the First Division. However, it will be difficult to compete with big clubs all of a sudden. So far, no goals have been set for the team. Plans will be determined accordingly.
- There are rumors that "Imishli" will part ways with you. Have you received an offer for the new season?
- We have not talked to the management about this. There are such rumors. After finishing the two rounds, we will probably talk. We have two matches left in the championship. We also have an intention to achieve maximum results in these meetings and finish the season in second place. After that, we can talk about such issues.
- The legionnaire limit is being abolished in the Premier League. If you stay in the team, considering the club's budget, can we say that it will give more chances to locals?
- This issue depends on the management, the goal we will set, the purpose. Because if the goal is to fight for the top spots, the direction will be different. If we fight just to stay in the championship, a different direction will be taken. Probably, there will be those who remain from the current squad. Local players are a priority for us. A few legionnaires will also be attracted.
- Where does "Imishli" plan to hold its home games? The club had issued a statement about this. It is said that the team will come to Baku...
- Playing in Imishli will benefit the team more. Our fans are one of the 3-4 fans who fill the stadium. There used to be football in Imishli. If necessary, some matches may be held outside. But in fact, the management also wants the team to play in Imishli. If five thousand people come to the games, why should we play outside? But there are some criteria that need to be aligned with.
