Jalal Huseynov: I would like to play in a superior club

Interview with Jalal Huseynov, a football player of the Azerbaijan national team and the Bulgarian club "Arda", to Telegraf

- You passed the stage in the UEFA Conference League. What are your impressions?

- As an Azerbaijani football player, it is a great feeling to pass the stage in the European Cups in a club of another country. HIK was very experienced. They always play in the European Cups, have high-level football players, and are already used to this tournament. But in the first game, we showed that we can beat this opponent. We were close to winning in the home game that ended in a goalless draw. We went to the away game to win, no matter what.

- The game lasted until penalties. Were you physically and psychologically prepared for this in advance?

- First, we took the lead in the score. Later, the opponent changed the score in their favor. Despite this, we equalized the result with our attacks. We could have finished the game in regular time, but it didn't work out. In extra time, both sides wanted to pass the stage. In the end, our team executed the penalty series more accurately. I am very happy. I want to say "thank you very much" to all my teammates.

- You were on the field for 120 minutes. How do you assess your performance?

- This is my second season in "Arda". In my first year, I always played in the main squad. Although I was in the starting lineup in 10 games at the beginning, I started not to play later. After coming to Azerbaijan for 6 months during the winter break and playing for "Shamakhi" on loan, I play in both championship and European Cup matches. So to speak, I am in shape. As a main squad member of my team, I feel more confident from game to game. I believe it will continue like this.

- So why weren't you given a chance in the penalty shootout that ended with a score of 4:3 in favor of "Arda"?

- When I was on loan in "Shamakhi", coach Aleksandr Tunchev gave another chance to those who successfully performed the penalties in the transition game for the qualification for the European Cups in "Arda". I even approached Tunchev and said that I feel ready. After all, I like to take penalties and can do it correctly. It was just his decision. The main thing is that the team won and advanced to the next stage. It doesn't matter who scores.

- How did the head coach justify his decision?

- He was like that in his opinion. He just had a little hesitation in the 1st, 3rd and 5th penalties. I also approached and said that I want to shoot. But he made the decision in favor of another football player. There is no problem.

- "Arda" will face the Lithuanian club "Kauno Jalgiris" in the next stage. Do you believe that you can overcome this opponent and qualify for the play-off?

- Before that, we will have a championship game against "Botev" away. We also need to strengthen our place in the league. We have one defeat and one draw so far. Currently, our focus is on the championship. After finishing this game, we will start thinking about the game with "Kauno Jalgiris".

- Former "Neftchi" football player Andre Shinyashiki is your teammate. Did you have any acquaintance while playing in Azerbaijan, did he ask you anything?

- We had no contact before. He was also transferred when I came to the team in winter. In other words, we became sincere as teammates. We talk about Azerbaijan in general from time to time.

- Have you had any offers after leaving Azerbaijan?

- Yes, several clubs sent invitations. I can't reveal their names. I just didn't have any intention of coming back. That is, I was thinking of continuing with "Arda" in Bulgaria.

- Did you have any offers from other countries?

- Frankly, I haven't had any offers. The transfer window is still open. If there is a good offer, I will consider it. I would like to play in a superior club. I'm working for it anyway.

- Usually, Azerbaijani football players face language problems abroad while living a legionary life. You know English. Did you have any difficulty adapting to Bulgaria?

- No, I didn't have any difficulty. I also speak Bulgarian. Everything is easy. I learned it a little after I came. I could already speak Bulgarian after about 6 months.

Idman.biz