Sport24.az
"Zira" defeated "Neftchi" 1:0 in the 1/8 final stage of the Azerbaijan Cup and advanced to the next stage. Sport24.az reports that the head coach of "Zira", Rashad Sadigov, answered journalists' questions at the press conference held after the match:
"After the draw, it was the most anticipated game in this stage. Both teams lived up to expectations. It was an interesting game. Both teams wanted to win. I was enjoying the game. We were playing against a very well-equipped team. Our players fought confidently. The game was at an equal level for 75-80 minutes, after that we had the advantage. We were trying not to let the game go to penalties. Thank God, we scored an important goal in extra time. I congratulate the management, fans, and players. We won as a family."
- Why did you replace Issa Djibrilla?
- There was a plan in advance that Issa would start, then Junior would strengthen the game. He played well against "Kapaz." If he had started the game from the beginning, he would have been physically exhausted in the 55-60th minute. We had discussed this with him. I didn't want to change Issa. But he has just recovered from an injury. I thought about his health there. Human health is more important. He was also effective.
- After scoring a goal, Junior Martins provoked the opposing fans. This was not an action befitting Rashad Sadigov's player...
- I didn't see it. If he did, he made a mistake. It's not an action befitting our team, me, or himself. It is not right to provoke rival players and fans. I will definitely take action on this matter.
