Gurban Gurbanov: "We need to be more careful in defense"

"Garabagh" defeated "Shamakhi" 3:2 at home in the 19th round of the Misli Premier League. Sport24.az reports that Gurban Gurbanov, the head coach of the Agdam representative, answered journalists' questions at the press conference held after the match:

- We had many shortcomings. It was not easy to expect a fast, dynamic and entertaining game today. We achieved a very important victory. Aykhan Abbasov has formed a good team. "Shamakhi" is gradually improving its game. I wish Aykhan success. Our fans supported us in such weather. I thank them.

- Was "Garabagh" conceding two goals today a surprise for you?

- "Shamakhi" has its own unique style of play. I am worried about conceding goals. We need to be more careful in defense. We shouldn't concede such simple goals. "Shamakhi" performs this style of play well. They know how to position themselves on the field. We had technical errors. It bothered me. Such conceded goals are very beneficial for the team. We need to be more serious and careful during the game.

- You tested young players in test matches. Will this also happen in Premier League matches?

- It's too early. We'll see. Amin Rzayev is 16 years old. He needs to get stronger. There is Davud Masumov. He had been training with the team for a month. We'll see. If we see that they have the ability to withstand that speed, we will give them a chance.

- Mateus Silva doesn't seem used to playing in the center of defense. Can Bahlul play in the match against FCSB, or are there other plans?

- They were different mistakes. It is not correct to say that it was a positional mistake. Mateus has other superior qualities. Tomorrow, Kevin and Mateus may not be in the main squad. Every player has a chance to play. Sometimes we form the squad according to the opponent. Bahlul has started training with the team. We have five days. We'll see the situation.

- Usually, the return of football players who have left "Garabagh" has been observed several times. In the current period, the arrival of a new forward and getting used to the team may take time. If we look at your former football players, for example, there is Ibrahima Vadji, who does not play much in "Saint-Etienne". Has the issue of returning him to help the team at least until the summer been relevant?

- We haven't paid attention to Vadji. We are still reviewing other players. But Vadji may also be there.

- "Garabagh" has not bought a player yet. Are you waiting for the decision of the Executive Committee regarding the legionnaire limit?

- It was a short time. Juninho left, the championship ended on December 21, and we played again on January 17. The period was very short. Currently, the limit has nothing to do with us taking a player. If we have likes in the positions we want, we will definitely take them. In the past months, several of our players were injured, we could not maintain the balance. We made some rotations in the squad. This month we have 5 games in 15 days. We don't want to make a transfer for the sake of a transfer. We would like to have players who are to our liking. We are searching.

- Who will we see in Yassin Benzia's position?

- Andrade and Zubir can also be there. It depends on the opponent and the rotations we will make. Both have the potential to play in that position.

- You have analyzed FCSB. What can you say about that team?

- It is a tough team. They have very disciplined game styles. They defend with 10 people in the center of the field. We watch all the games. It is a physically strong team. It does not seem like an easy opponent. We will try to be more active. Because they have very dangerous counter-attacks, they are dangerous in standard situations. They can play purely for results. They are disciplined like a typical European team.

- Some football players are mentioned in the media with the name "Garabagh". These are Gurban Safarov and Denis Adilov. Are you informed about these issues? Do you want to strengthen the reserve team?

- I am not fully informed. Aftandil Hajiyev is there. He does a very good job. He also knows that we trust him very much. I will express my opinion after it is 100 percent accepted. I will not be able to give a full answer now. We also want to form a good team there. Because the reserve team is also important for us.

- The Executive Committee will meet next week. Are you hopeful about the five-year strategy plan?

- Believe me, I would very much like to talk in detail, to talk to you about Azerbaijani football. If this decision has not been made, has not been made public, I will not be able to express my opinion to you.

- After the strategy is announced, will you say that I made such a proposal?

- I have not made a proposal myself. There has been a general discussion. We can express our opinions in some form. The experience of the Belgian company is great. If it happens, I will say it, if it doesn't, I will say it.

- There are two people there who understand football...

- You have to be a little respectful. Understanding football is a heavy word. Everyone sitting there is also responsible. We must respect those who are sitting in any institution. If the job is assigned to them, the decisions must be waited for. I avoid these types of questions. My only recommendation is that we treat any person, field, especially the opinion expressed in the media, with respect. 

- The abolition of the legionnaire limit was the most discussed topic during the break. What do you think about this?

- How many times should I answer? (laughs). My answer is the same. It would not be right for me to express my opinion.