It wouldn't be right to attribute this to all "Neftchi" fans

After the match "Zira" - "Sumgayit" (3:1) held in the XXXI round of the Misli Premier League, the head coach of the home team, Rashad Sadigov, answered journalists' questions. Sport24.az reports that the specialist first shared his thoughts on the game:

– I congratulate my players. We won a very important 3 points. The first half was easier for us. But both during the break and during the championship, we reminded that "Sumgayit" plays colorful and beautiful football. Vagif Javadov plays a big role in this. He does interesting things. Especially in the attacking phase, he makes eye-catching attacks. Despite our advantage, we conceded a goal at the beginning of the second half and after that there was some stress on the team. "Sumgayit" also moved forward with greater force. We were forced to make more defensive changes in the last 15-20 minutes. The opponent also attacked at that time. They could have equalized the score. Thankfully, we scored the 3rd goal. I wish "Sumgayit" success.

– If you hadn't won, "Qarabag" would have officially become the champion. Did this situation motivate you more in any case?

– No, frankly, we didn't think about it. "Qarabag" is already the champion, it only remains to formalize it. We only think about ourselves. We are trying to reach high places as much as possible to get into European Cups. We are only thinking about this right now. Even if we conceded the second goal, I wouldn't be angry with my players. Towards the end, the players get stressed. Which club overcomes this will be placed in better places.

– "Kocaelispor", whose uniform you wore 16 years ago, qualified for the Turkish Super League. Can you share your feelings about this?

– I was very happy. That city, those fans, that community deserve to play in the high league. A beautiful new stadium has also been built in the city. In general, "Bursaspor", "Kocaelispor", these types of teams deserve to play in the high league. I will follow "Kocaelispor" closely and support them.

– In the previous round, racist slogans were chanted against Stefan Aka in the game with "Neftchi". Aka was in the stands in this game. What is his psychological state?

– Frankly, I don't have detailed information about this.

– The AFFA Disciplinary Committee also punished "Neftchi" in connection with this issue...

– I don't know. We wanted to replace him in the match with "Neftchi" due to his injury, but he wanted to continue and made his injury worse. He will not be able to participate in games for 2-3 weeks now. But the performance he showed in the second half was worth the injury. Because it was a very important victory. Aka is a kind-hearted and good-natured person. But I haven't heard a racist slogan. If we had heard it, maybe it would have been possible to comment. Maybe someone said it. It is not right to attribute it to all "Neftchi" fans.

– From the new season, the legionnaire limit will not be applied in the Premier League. Will this affect your plans for local players?

– No, it doesn't change our plans. There will be competition. We played with 5 local players away in the European Cup match with DAK. Whoever is strong will play. We will also have local players in our squad. We have valuable local players. 

– Are there any players you are in talks with?

– Yes, there are those we are in talks with. There are players we will talk to. But many players will continue with us.