Idman.biz
"I love such things in football. When the fans provoke something, it motivates me more during the game."
This was stated by "Zira" football player Junior Martins in an interview with sport24.az.
We present the interview:
- You defeated "Neftchi" in the 1/8 final stage of the Azerbaijan Cup. Could you share your thoughts about 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 whole 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 due to your team's belief, or due to "Neftchi"'s recent unsuccessful performance?
- No, I wouldn't say so. 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 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 would 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 ones to advance to the next stage. I really believe in that.
- What happened between you and the "Neftchi" fans after you scored? It was as if you were reacting to their provocations...
- I love such things in football. When the fans provoke something, it motivates me more during the game. Thank God, after such a thing, I scored my goal.
- You will play against "Qarabag" this weekend. Will there be enough strength to prepare for this match after the difficult cup game against "Neftchi"?
- We know the strength of the opponent, we will play against the leader of our championship. But I don't think there will be any talk of fatigue. Because we have 3 days, we can recover well in this time and put up a decent fight.
