Gazanfar Abbasov: "The players who entered the field could not integrate well into the game" - Comments after the game with "Imishli"

"The field factor showed itself. We knew we would play on a natural field. We play 90 percent of the matches in the championship on artificial turf, and we train on artificial turf ourselves. Perhaps this moment did not allow us to achieve what we wanted. My players fulfilled the tasks I gave them." These words were said by Gazanfar Abbasov, the head coach of "Garadag Lokbatan", in his statement to Sport24.az.

The young specialist commented on the match against "Imishli" in the II qualifying round of the Azerbaijan Cup, which they lost with a last-minute goal:

"As soon as the game started, "Imishli" wanted to score an early goal. We caught the opponent on a counterattack and scored our first goal. Then the opponent increased the pressure. This was expected. We managed to keep the score in the first half. As soon as the second half started, "Imishli" made 4 substitutions. As soon as these 4 players entered the field, they increased the pressure even more and scored the equalizing goal. Despite this, my players did not lose heart. After taking the lead for the second time in the score, the opponent was confused. Our players felt tired, so we made a forced change. The players who entered the field could not integrate well into the game, and the opponent scored the second goal. In the end, "Imishli" scored the winning goal in added time".

Abbasov also talked about the difference between the elite and lower leagues:

"The level difference between the Premier League and the Second League is big. The clubs of the First or Second League are at the same level. As "Garadag Lokbatan", we try to keep our level at the level of the First League, not the Second League. We have players suitable for that. It's just that last season was a failure, and the team dropped to the Second League. We will try to return to the First League again. The match with "Imishli" was an exam for our players. They saw what they are capable of, what they are strong enough for".

It should be noted that the game "Garadag Lokbatan" - "Imishli" ended with a score of 2:3.