Sport24.az
After the "Zira" – "Sumgayit" match (2:0) of the 1/4 final stage of the Azerbaijan Cup, the head coach of the guest team, Saša Ilić, answered journalists' questions. Sport24.az reports that the expert first shared his thoughts on the meeting…
– I congratulate "Zira". Cup matches are difficult. We played the first half well. The mistake in the second half resulted in a goal. After the break, we tried to change the game. But Ninković's red card ruined our plans.
– Do you admit that there is a disciplinary problem in the team?
– I wouldn't say that. The players try to fulfill their tasks.
– Even before Ninković was sent off, you could not break through the opponent's defense. What was the reason for this?
– "Zira" also didn't have many chances. They turned the first shot into a goal. We have played 4 games this season and each one has been at the same level. "Zira" is a quality club. They have players with high individual skills. We did what we could.
– You started the season well. Aleksa Janković made a difference. But then what happened that the team started to decline?
– I wouldn't want to discuss the players. We started well, but after a certain point, a decline is visible in our game. There are games ahead. We are hopeful, we will try to do our best.
– How much hope do you have for the European Cups?
– To be realistic, it's a difficult matter. The difference in points is big.
– Ninković is a player who, due to his experience, will lead the team. But in the last two games, he received a red card, making it difficult for the team. Is there a psychological problem, or how?
– We have high expectations from Ninković. He also got a "red" today. Maybe he has some psychological problems. But we are hopeful from him, he has not justified our hopes yet.
