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An interview with Georgi Nikolov, the former Bulgarian president of "Inter" (now "Shamakhi") to "Report"
- The match in Bulgaria ended with a 1:0 victory for the home team. What can you say about the match?
- To be honest, I didn't watch the game. Then I saw the score, watched the review. I think it was an equal game. Both teams showed high-level football. After 70 minutes, "Sabah" got tired, the pace dropped a lot. I think that's why "Levski" was able to score. I think the result is quite fair.
- Can "Sabah" pass the stage in Baku?
- Of course, they can pass. "Levski" must properly assess this team. "Sabah" is a serious opponent, anything can happen in the return match. But I think the Bulgarian team will go further in the European Cups. That's my prediction.
- Do you follow Azerbaijani football?
- Although I can't watch many championship matches, I am aware of the results of "Qarabag" in the European Cups.
- "Qarabag" may face "Ludogorets", another representative of your country, in the play-off stage of the Champions League.
- Yes. They also faced each other last season. If I'm not mistaken, they beat "Qarabag" in Baku. Then here, in front of my eyes, they were defeated by a big score. A score of 7:2 was recorded. So, if both of them advance to the play-offs, it will be an interesting duel. According to my estimate, "Ludogorets" will want to take revenge. But I must also say that our country's champion is a little weaker compared to last season. That is, I cannot predict the result of the upcoming possible meeting. However, I can say that "Qarabag" is stronger.
- How would you compare Azerbaijani and Bulgarian football? Which one has shown more development in recent times?
- The football of these countries is very similar. Probably, in Azerbaijan, more emphasis is placed on physical struggle. Good technical players also come to Azerbaijan. You also have such local players. That is why I think that both are close to each other. Bulgarian football is not going through good times right now. The recent results of the Azerbaijani national team are not that good either.
- The legionnaire limit has been abolished in the Azerbaijan Premier League. Would you like to comment on this?
- There have been some changes when I worked in your country. But I didn't see any special progress in the results. There were good results when there was no limit at all. I even know that when the legionnaire limit was applied, "Qarabag" reached the group stage of the Champions League. I cannot say whether the abolition of the limit will benefit or harm Azerbaijani football at the moment. I believe that the level of foreign players coming to your country will be high, and Azerbaijani players will also be able to show themselves and get a chance.
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