Sport24.az
An interview with Junior Martins, a football player of "Zira", to Sport24.az
- You defeated "Neftchi" in the 1/8 final stage of the Azerbaijan Cup. Could you share your thoughts on the game...
- We knew it would be a difficult match. But at the same time, we believed that we would advance to the next stage. I thank the entire team for fighting to the end. We were able to advance to the next stage as well. In the current situation, we have very little time. Because a tense game awaits us in the championship as well. We will play against "Qarabag" on Saturday. We need to recover well and think about that match.
- Was this related to your confidence in your team, or to "Neftchi"'s recent unsuccessful performance?
- No, I wouldn't say that. We know how big a team "Neftchi" is. It is a team made up of quality football players. But at the same time, we also know our strength. We are a well-organized team. The coach factor also played a very big role in this victory. Rashad Sadigov prepared us very well for this game. That is why we believed in the next stage.
- When the game went into extra time, what were you thinking, to decide the fate of the game in extra time, or did you want penalties because you trusted Tiago Silva?
- We were prepared for this game in advance. More precisely, we had foreseen any scenario that could happen in this game. It doesn't matter, whether it's 90 minutes, extra time or a series of penalties... Of course, we have a very good goalkeeper. We stood out in extra time in the match with "Neftchi". But even if the game went to penalties, I am sure that Tiago would help us a lot. Even after the penalty shootout, we would be the team that advances to the next stage. I believe in this very much.
- What happened between you and the "Neftchi" fans after you scored a goal? It seemed like you were reacting to their provocations...
- I like these kinds of situations in football. Certain provocations by fans motivate me more during the game. Thankfully, after this kind of thing, I scored my goal.
- You will play against "Qarabag" this weekend. Will you have the strength to prepare for this meeting after the difficult cup game with "Neftchi"?
- We know the strength of the opponent, we will play against the leader of our championship. But I don't think there is any talk of fatigue. Because we have 3 days, in this time we can recover well and fight worthily.
