Junior Martins: "Fans' provocation motivates me more" and about the victory over "Neftchi"

Interview with "Zira" football player Junior Martins on 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 also able to advance to the next stage. 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 confidence in your team, 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's 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 trust Tiago Silva, so you wanted penalties?
- 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'm sure Tiago would help us a lot. Even after the penalty shootout, we would be the team that advanced to the next stage. I really believe in it.

- What happened between you and "Neftchi" fans after you scored? It was as if you were responding to their provocations...
- I like such situations in football. Certain provocations of fans motivate me more during the game. Thank God, after such a thing, I scored my goal.

- You will play with "Qarabag" this weekend. Will there be strength left 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, we can recover well during this time and put up a decent fight.