Before the Champions League play-off match between Qarabag and Newcastle, the head coach of the English team, Eddie Howe, answered journalists' questions. Sport24.az reports that the specialist first shared his thoughts on the meeting…
– We don't have any serious squad problems at the moment. Our players are in place. We came to Baku in a good mood. We are getting good results in recent games.
– Qarabag have played against two English teams. Chelsea and Liverpool. Which of these matches do you think helped you prepare?
– We have seriously investigated Qarabag. We have analyzed both games for preparation. Qarabag plays well, they have technical players. It will be an interesting game. The match with Chelsea was difficult for both teams. We also watched this game. We received some information about Qarabag's level.
– What can you say about the importance of this game?
– Everything is important to us. Looking at history, there is a new opportunity for our club. We have been performing well in recent matches. We want to move forward. We will try to make good use of our chance. We have a historic chance, we are in the play-offs. We have come a long way, and our fans are already here. We want to leave here in a positive way.
– There is a match against Manchester City ahead…
– We are not thinking about it right now. Our game against them will also be very difficult.
– You have a difficult schedule. Considering the losses in the squad, are you thinking of giving reserve players a chance tomorrow?
– Yes, we have difficult games. We have taken the schedule into account. We will do our best to regulate everything.
– Is Qarabag's style of play similar to that of Premier League teams?
– Qarabag has an aggressive game. It is difficult to compare. Every club has its own unique game.
– What are your goals?
– We have goals, our dreams are big. We believe in ourselves. We approach the issue collectively. Everything is in order.
– Are there any negative points?
– No, our trip went well. There is no fatigue.
– Is there a player in Qarabag that you pay special attention to?
– I would not like to single out anyone. We will play our game. I don't want to name a specific name. We also have technical players.
– There has been progress in the team since you came to Newcastle. Gurban Gurbanov has also been coaching Qarabag for 17 years. Have you researched him, what are your thoughts?
– Frankly, I haven't had a serious investigation. If you stay in a team for so long, you deserve respect. Motivating the team and contacts will be appreciated. They have shown good results in the Champions League. They have their own style of play. It is interesting to watch their games. Therefore, the game against Qarabag will not be easy.
– Could there be a player that Newcastle would like to transfer from Qarabag?
– Our eyes are open, we are careful. I wouldn't want to say anything specific here now. There is no player we are looking at or watching. Qarabag has a good squad. The game with Liverpool was difficult for them. There is no one we are fully watching. They have good players on the flanks.