The head coach of "Karvan-Yevlakh", Fuzuli Mammadov, gave an interview to Sport24.az.
- How did the national break affect the team?
- We tried to use the national break as efficiently as possible. During this period, there were aspects that we worked on both physically and tactically. At the same time, a good opportunity arose for the recovery of some players and the re-establishment of the internal balance of the team. I think that this break will have a positive effect on the team and we will see the result more clearly in the upcoming games.
- The next game is against "Qarabağ". Is it possible to expect a surprise result?
- We go to every game for the maximum result and try to show our game regardless of the identity of the opponent. We all know that "Qarabağ" is a very high-quality and stable team. But the development of our team and the performance on the field in the last games give us hope. The players are already adapting to the requirements better and there is progress in terms of game discipline. I think that if we can continue this dynamic, it is possible to achieve better results in the upcoming matches.
- What should you do for the team to stay in the League?
- We correctly assess the current situation and understand the reality. Our main goal is to approach each game with maximum seriousness, work on small details and increase stability as a team. For staying in the League, first of all, disciplined game, concentration and fighting until the end are the main conditions. At the same time, we are thinking not only about short-term results, but also about the overall development of the club. We will try to maximize our point reserves in the upcoming games. I believe that the team understands this responsibility and will try to give its response on the field.
- If you drop to the First League, will you continue with the team?
- Currently, all our attention is focused on the current season and the upcoming games. As a club, our main goal is to stay in the Premier League and we have mobilized all our strength for this. Decisions about the future will be discussed with the club management after the end of the season. The main thing for me is the interests of the club and whatever decision is made, it will be in accordance with the development of the club. At the same time, I would like to note that the club has a long-term development strategy and serious work is being done in this direction. The infrastructure has already been brought to the maximum level and reconstruction processes are continuing. In addition to the base we are currently using, our previous base is being thoroughly renovated for the academy. A natural grass field and a tribune are being prepared here. In addition, two new natural grass fields have been built in the area intended for the academy. This shows that the club is building a healthy and sustainable foundation not only for today, but also for the future.
- Could there have been a different result if you had been appointed as the head coach at the beginning of the season?
- Talking with "ifs" is not the right approach in football. Since I joined the team, I have accepted the current situation and started working, and I have focused all my attention on building the process correctly. Of course, every coach would prefer to lead the team from the beginning of the season, because at this time there is a wider opportunity for both selection, preparation process and the formation of the game philosophy. But this is a part of football and we must be able to work with the existing conditions. Our main goal now is to create stability in the team, increase the quality of the game and gradually reach the level we want. We correctly assess the course of the season and the current situation, and at the same time, as a club, we take a broader perspective. The main goal is not limited to the result of this season only - we are working to form a more sustainable and competitive team. I believe that the work done and the steps taken will allow the team to have a stronger say in the next stage.