"In 6 matches of the Misli Premier League, we have one win and two draws. This is due to the fact that our team is new to the Premier League."
This was stated by "Karvan-Yevlax"'s Portuguese midfielder Vitor Rocha in an interview with futbolinfo.az.
We present that interview:
– In the 6th round of the Misli Premier League, you managed to get 1 point from "Neftchi" on the road. Before the game, were you confident that you would leave this match with a good result?
– Yes, because we work for this purpose every day. We knew it would be a difficult game, "Neftchi" is a very high-quality team with a large investment in this championship. We understood that in order to get a point from the match with them, we would need a lot of sacrifice and high attention. We did it too.
– Do you agree that Kamran Ibrahimov was the hero of the match? Did you expect such a performance from him?
– I accept that Kamran was the hero of the game and I am very happy for him. Ibrahimov is a humble player, constantly trying to improve. Fortunately, he helped us a lot in this meeting and contributed to the 1 point gained.
– Are you satisfied with everything at "Karvan-Yevlax"? Have you been able to fully adapt to the team and the head coach's playing style?
– I am happy to be in this team and I am very grateful for the opportunity given to me. It was not easy to adapt at the beginning, because I broke my arm in the first test match and therefore did not play for more than 1 month. But as time goes by, everything becomes easier for me. I have already recovered, I can play with all my strength – which is what I love most. I am slowly starting to adapt to the team and our playing style.
– After 6 rounds, you only have 1 win. What do you see as the reason for this?
– Yes, we have one win and two draws in 6 games. This is due to the fact that our team is new to the Premier League. Considering that there are clubs that have made large investments in the championship, it is a positive moment for "Karvan-Yevlax" to be currently outside the relegation zone. The club has undergone major changes in terms of staff, and all the players in the current squad are new. This sometimes affects our performance and results. But we are a quality and willing team. I am sure that we will achieve our goals.
– In the next round you will face "Sabah". How do you assess the chances? Will you be able to get points from "Sabah" after "Neftchi"?
– I think it is possible to score points in the game against "Sabah". Yes, this meeting will also be difficult. But we will be the home team, we hope for the support of our fans – they are a great source of motivation for us. We will prepare seriously for the meeting with "Sabah" and try to leave the field with points again.
– "Karvan-Yevlax", which is participating in the Premier League after a long time, aims to stay in the league. Will the team be able to achieve its goal?
– Yes, we will be able to stay in the Premier League at the end of the season. It is clear that we still have a lot to work on and we have to work hard for it. But this team is very good and I believe that we will keep our place in the league.
– Your compatriot Fernandu Santosh was remembered for his unsuccessful results in the Azerbaijan national team and was therefore removed from his position. Did you expect such a failure from him? Why do you think Santosh failed to succeed in our national team?
– Fernandu Santosh is a very respected and loved coach in Portugal. He won the EURO-2016 and the League of Nations with the Portuguese national team, so we Portuguese are very grateful to him. Unfortunately, things did not go as he wanted in Azerbaijan - such things happen in football. Everyone involved in football knows that it is not always possible to succeed. Unfortunately, Santosh had to leave his post in Azerbaijan, he could not achieve success, which is part of the game. I wish both Santosh and the Azerbaijan national team success.