I don't consider "Qarabag" a special opponent - Gara Garayev

"Araz-Nakhchivan" midfielder Gara Garayev answered journalists' questions after the return match of the semi-final stage of the Azerbaijan Cup against "Qarabag".

GOL.az reports that the experienced midfielder first commented on the 0:3 defeat:   

- Although we had real goalscoring opportunities in the first half, we could not use them. It is difficult to play against "Qarabag", but I think we fought well in both games. If we could have taken advantage of the goalscoring opportunities, the final scenario would have been different. 

- How do you assess the referees' performance?

- There are two mysterious issues regarding refereeing. The first is Jatoba's episode. When you look at the replay of the episode, it seems that Jatoba is playing the ball, and Bahlul is hitting him. In my opinion, this is a penalty. When you approach the referee, he sometimes says there is no violence, sometimes he says that he played the ball first. You don't know what to say. 

- You have already said goodbye to the cup. How do you assess your chances of going to European cups from the championship? 

- After January, we had serious problems with the squad. I myself did not play for almost a month. True, some of our injured players have already returned to the line-up. But they are not in ideal shape after the injury. This is also understandable. Because it is difficult to get into optimal shape towards the end of the season. Despite all the difficulties, we will fight to the end. I think we are a team worthy of good places. Going to the Europa League or the Conference League will also be an important step for the club. "Araz-Nakhchivan" can achieve greater success. European cups are important for us. We want to go there. We will fight to the end for this. We have not given up, and we have no intention of giving up.

- There are 5 rounds left until the end of the season. Is it possible to say that every match is like a final for "Araz-Nakhchivan"?

- Sometimes 100 percent can also be a problem. Therefore, we must approach the upcoming matches in an optimal way. Before that, we were appearing on the field every 4-5 days due to cup matches. This also created some difficulties. Overall, we did not make a bad impression. If we can maintain this pace, we will achieve better results.

- You have played for "Qarabag" for many years. Was it difficult for you to prepare psychologically for the game against your former club?

- My psychology belongs to me. Yesterday is a good memory, but today I am here. I want to not stay away from football, I want to play more. I did not prepare specifically for the meeting with "Qarabag", there was no different motivation either. I always treat "Qarabag" with respect. I grew up there. My motivation does not increase or decrease due to any game. I do not see "Qarabag" as a special opponent. Everything is fine. I also prepared normally for the match.