Idman.biz
"The draw shows that the upcoming stage will not be easy for 'Qarabag'."
These words were said by Jahangir Hasanzade, who works as the technical director of AFFA, while talking about 'Qarabag' facing the English team 'Newcastle' in the play-off stage of the UEFA Champions League.
The former goalkeeper of the Azerbaijani national team and the representative of Aghdam stated that there is no concept of a weak opponent in this round of the tournament.
"We are already on the threshold of the road to the championship and it is not right to expect an easy opponent in this round. In this regard, it is impossible to characterize 'Newcastle' as a suitable or weak opponent for 'Qarabag'. In any case, difficult games await our team," he said in a statement to AZERTAC.
C.Hasanzade generally assessed the results of the draw positively:
"If we were to choose between two potential opponents, we can say that 'Newcastle' is the most optimal option for 'Qarabag'. The other possible opponent, PSG, is one of the giant clubs of European football. It would be more difficult to face this team both in terms of game quality and experience. For this reason, we can consider the results of the draw relatively successful for 'Qarabag'."
The veteran goalkeeper emphasized that he expects spectacular and competitive football from the Azerbaijani champion in this stage as well: "I hope that the team will show a good and spectacular game against 'Newcastle' as well. We expect successful results from our representative in this stage as well."
It should be noted that the first matches of the UEFA Champions League play-off stage will be held on February 17-18, and the return matches will be held on February 24-25. 'Qarabag' will hold the first meeting with 'Newcastle' in Baku.
