Samir Musayev: "Neftchi" must solve its internal problems" - INTERVIEW

Interview of Samir Musayev, veteran football player of "Qarabagh", to Idman.biz

- The semi-final stage of the Azerbaijan Cup has ended. "Qarabagh" and "Sabah" are already in the final. How do you assess the matches that took place yesterday?

- There is nothing surprising in the result of the "Qarabagh" - "Araz-Nakhchivan" game. Despite the defeat of the Aghdam representative in the first game, if you asked anyone, they would say that they would reach the final. That's what happened. In the "Sabah" - "Neftchi" match, the situation was a bit different. Because they are teams at about the same level, you could expect anything at any moment. Whoever had more desire would win. But I also thought in advance that "Sabah" would hardly give up the result they achieved in the first game.

- A penalty was not awarded in the "Qarabagh" - "Araz-Nakhchivan" match. Some claim that this decision was unfair. What do you think about this?

- Even if that penalty was awarded, the result would not change. "Qarabagh" would still score four goals and pass. If we don't trust the referee, there is a VAR system. If VAR doesn't show a penalty either, then it doesn't exist. Believe me, if a penalty was awarded against "Qarabagh", half of the nation would say that it didn't exist. In any case, we must respect the referee's decision.

- Do you join those who call for Samir Abasov's resignation?

- I have always said and I say again, the coach should not be appointed for one year. The most real example of this is "Qarabagh" and Gurban Grurbanov. No coach can win anything in one year, it is impossible. Our clubs must change this approach. The coach came, did not give results, let him leave after three months. There is no such thing. An expert needs time to show his work. Coaches are not changed every three months in world football, this is only in Azerbaijan. "Neftchi" changes eight coaches in a year. It is impossible to achieve results with this. In my opinion, Samir Abasov should be given two or three years, and he should be given the green light to form his own team.

- Samir Abasov also specifically emphasized the issue of the squad at the press conference held after the game. Do you think this factor is a shield for him or the main reason for the defeat?

- I don't want to interfere in their internal affairs. But I must say this. Samir knew who would be in the team when he came to the team, so why did he agree in advance? This aspect of the matter must also be said. When the coach comes, he must either build his team or play football according to the team he has. Every coach forms a team according to his own playing style.

- "Neftchi" has been away from European Cups for the second year in a row. Do you think this can become normal for the team?

- I don't think it will continue like this. "Neftchi" is considered the flagship of the country, one of our rooted teams. First, they must solve the problems within the club. In this case, they will be able to compete for high places again. But as long as "Qarabagh" is in this championship, all teams, including "Neftchi", will fight for the subsequent places.

- What do you think, which team will be the owner of the cup?

- "Qarabagh" had no rivals in the national championship even when they played in both the championship and the European Cups. Imagine that now the team has solved its championship and will put all its strength into the cup. What result do you think can be expected in this case? When the championship starts, it is necessary to give the first place to "Qarabagh" in advance so that other teams can compete for the second and third places. "Qarabagh" will be the champion anyway in the end. I think they will do the "Golden Double" this year as well.

Aytac Sahed
Idman.biz