"I love playing under the spotlight."
Idman.biz reports that these words were said by Kaiserslautern striker Mahir Emreli in an interview with the German newspaper Bild.
He said that he and his attacking teammates Ivan Prtajin and Daniel Hanslik want to score more than anyone else: "But it doesn't matter who scores, the main thing is that we win three points."
Emreli understands that the attack line was criticized after the 0:1 defeat in the game against Hannover, but he takes it calmly:
"Of course, people are dissatisfied when the attack does not produce results. When they score, they are even happier. These days, people look more at statistics than at beautiful games. For this reason, I understand the criticism – it is part of a footballer's life."
Coordination is still not at the desired level. Mutual understanding in the attack line? Can it be improved? Kaiserslautern's new transfer explains it this way: "I think Ivan and I still need time. Our game cannot be ideal in such a short time. Everything will improve significantly after a few matches."
What gives Emreli strength? He notes team spirit, desire to win, atmosphere: "I have told many people about the incredible game in Kaiserslautern last season. The atmosphere was fantastic, and the architecture of the stadium is impressive. I have played in many big stadiums, but this arena is special."
In April, he won here 2:1 against his former team "Nuremberg" and even scored a goal.
The 28-year-old football player of the Azerbaijani national team speaks hopefully before Kaiserslautern's first home game of the new season: "I hope this first home game will be a successful start."
Although his team lost the first game of the championship against a strong opponent like Hannover, Emreli still believes in a successful season with the "red devils": "There are many talented and professional football players in the team. I think we have the potential to compete for the first "three" - this is my personal opinion. We have to be just as confident in ourselves."
It should be noted that Kaiserslautern will face the ambitious Schalke at home on August 9 as part of the 2nd round of the II Bundesliga. The game will start at 22:30 Baku time.
Idman.biz