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A press conference was held for Saša Ilić, who was appointed as the head coach of "Sumgayit".
Sportal.az reports that the Serbian specialist answered the questions addressed to him:
- When did the offer from "Sumgayit" come to you? What information did you have about Azerbaijani football before coming here?
- We met with the president of "Sumgayit" in Belgrade. He said that it was a big project during the meeting. According to our agreement, we signed a one-year contract. I received some information about Azerbaijani football from the players playing here. Especially from Serbian and Montenegrin players playing in "Qarabag". I have some information about Azerbaijani football. I got acquainted with the stadium and base of "Sumgayit". It satisfies me. As we talked with the president of "Sumgayit", we will fight for better results next season.
- You said that there is a big project, but you signed a 1-year contract. It doesn't seem right...
- Everything changes very quickly in football. A one-year contract is a start. It will continue. We need to build the main team and create a playing style. We have time. Our preparation for the championship will continue.
- What is the main goal of the team next season?
- I am aware of last season. The team's performance can be considered unsatisfactory. Our goal will be to qualify for the European Cups. But everything depends on the players. Our players must be qualified to achieve the goals.
- We know you more from "Galatasaray", and in this sense, there may be interest in you in Azerbaijan. Can this interest negatively or positively affect your work?
- I see a big difference between a football player and a coach. If people know me as a football player, that's better. I have been a coach for 5 years. Being a football player before can only benefit me.
- You are already familiar with the team. There are a little more than 30 days left until the start of the season. Will it be necessary to act faster regarding transfers?
- Like every coach, I would like the team to be fully ready. But you also know the situation. There are 16-17 players in the team. We want to complete the team hand in hand with the club president.
- Football agent Jamal Akayev said in a statement to the Russian press that he did not accept the first offer of "Sumgayit", but accepted the next offer. For what reasons was the first offer not accepted...
- It's not true.
- What is your football philosophy?
- Actually, it depends on the team. When I worked at CSKA, we attacked more there. Here, in my new team, the squad has not been completed yet, we have 1-2 weeks. It will depend on the quality of the players.
- You have worked a maximum of 1 season in previous clubs. What is the reason for this? Could the reason for your departure from "Nizhny Novgorod" be that Russian clubs cannot qualify for European Cups?
- My goal was to keep the team in the Premier League, and I did it. I guess my departure depends on the team, not on me. But I was able to achieve results. As for "Atromitos", we have achieved certain results. When I took over the team, it had 3 points, I took it to the play-off stage. In CSKA, we were in 2nd place, close to the leader.
- Are there any players you liked in "Nizhny Novgorod" that you would bring to "Sumgayit"?
- I can't say anything for sure about that yet. Because there are quite a few players.
- Before you, many experts were mentioned for the position of head coach of "Sumgayit". What do you think, why did Riad Rafiyev prefer to work with you?
- You should ask him (laughs).
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