Idman.biz
"Qarabağ" had a strong squad back then as well. As you know, the COVID-19 pandemic spread around the world that year.
This was stated by the famous Turkish expert Rza Çalımbay, who once worked as the head coach of "Beşiktaş", in an interview with AZERTAC.
We present that interview:
- For many years, "Qarabağ" has successfully represented Azerbaijan in Europe. It would be interesting to hear your thoughts on the Aghdam club...
- The results achieved by "Qarabağ" in Europe make us all proud. Gurban Gurbanov's team is developing from year to year. I watch the matches of the Azerbaijani representative in the Champions League. There are very good players in the squad. It is gratifying that, along with legionnaires, locals also show themselves from the good side.
- When you were the head coach of "Sivasspor", more precisely, in 2020, you were an opponent of "Qarabağ" in the group stage of the Europa League. How do you remember those matches?
- "Qarabağ" had a strong squad back then as well. As you know, the COVID-19 pandemic spread around the world that year. This also had a negative impact on football. Nevertheless, I keep those meetings in my memory as a pleasant memory.
- "Qarabağ" will play its next game in the Champions League against "Napoli" in Italy. How do you assess their chances?
- "Napoli" is a team that has made a name for itself in world football. It has a significant reputation in Italy. If "Qarabağ" shows the performance it showed in the game against "Chelsea" in the match in Naples, it can get points from its opponent. It will be difficult, but nothing is impossible in football. "Qarabağ" has proven this many times. This team is loved very much in Azerbaijan. We also love it.
- Interestingly, have you ever received offers from Azerbaijani clubs?
- No, there have been no offers. In my opinion, Azerbaijan and Turkey should also benefit from each other in terms of football. For example, coaches and football players should go from us to Azerbaijan, and from you to Turkey. This will have a positive impact on the football of both countries. Azerbaijan is also our homeland. But I see that in some cases foreign experts are involved in the national team.
- What do you think about the current potential of Azerbaijani football?
- You have always had good football players. Now there are good teams and local coaches in the local championship. We drew up a certain plan at the "Sivasspor" club at that time, and as a result, we won a ticket to the Europa League. Azerbaijani teams can also do this. Because there is potential.
