Sport24.az
Interview of "Neftçi" football player Sessi Dalmeida to Sport24.az
- You lost to "Zira" in the 1/8 final stage of the Azerbaijan Cup. What can you say about the game? Why do you think you lost?
- I don't think we deserved to lose this game. We were the side closer to victory. We played well both in the first half and in the second half, but we lost. I think we lost the game in extra time. Nevertheless, I am proud of my team because we fought. We fought, it just wasn't enough to win this game. And now we are out of the cup.
- What has changed in the team after Samir Abasov?
- I think the mentality in the team has now changed for the better. I see that the players are making more sacrifices for the team. There are many positive changes with the new head coach - a new mindset, a new approach. If we give him the opportunity to work, I believe he will do great things.
- It seemed that "Neftçi" was waiting for penalties in extra time...
- I felt that too. The team had no strength left to win the game. Our legs were not carrying us forward. This also led to the defeat - there was not enough necessary mentality and strength to win the game.
- You say "We fought". Some fought, but some didn't. For example, Vargas took the ball, dribbled several times and lost the ball...
- You know, this is football. Dribbling is his playing style. We must be behind him, insure him. It is not right to blame one player. Football is a game of mistakes. Sometimes one person's mistake is visible, but the whole team loses. He lost the ball, yes, but we had to cover him. That's the point.
- "Neftçi" has not been able to win in the last 4 championship games. You are in 7th place in the standings and have stopped fighting in the cup. But "Neftçi" has a good squad, good conditions. What is the problem? What does the team need?
- I think we are now in a period where a new bond is being created between the team and the coaching staff. A new breath, a new air has come to the team. As I have said many times, if we give the coach the opportunity to work with this tactical approach and confidence, we will reach where we want. I believe in it.
- Do you sometimes think that you made a mistake choosing "Neftçi"?
- No, no. I don't think so. The issue here is not "Apollon is good, Neftçi is good". I came here with one goal - to win the title. "Neftçi" is a big club with big ambitions. But the club and the players also need some time. It's hard to say "Time is needed" because it's already December. But I still believe - both in myself and in the team. We just need a turning point. The coach, Abubakar came and with him a great confidence was created in the team. We have strong players. I feel that something is coming, something is changing. We lost today, yes. But that doesn't mean we're weak. We will achieve something this season - I strongly believe in it. We just need more struggle. A football player who falls on the field must get up and sprint back, we need such a mentality.
