Sasha Ilic: "New players should join our camp in the coming days"

As part of their preparations for the new season, "Sumgayit" played their first test match yesterday. The "Chemists" faced "Qarabagh"'s reserve team and won with 5 unanswered goals. After the match, the new head coach of the city's team of the same name, Sasha Ilic, answered questions from Sport24.az.

- You have been in Sumgayit for a few days now. What are your impressions of the team?

- I have been here for two weeks now. Today we also played our first test match. Everyone knows that the squad needs to be strengthened. New players should join our camp in the coming days, and we are waiting for them. I think that after they arrive, we will have a better team.  

- How did the team impress in the first test match? Did you try some tactical moves, and how satisfied were you?

- Although our opponent was not a very strong team made up of young players, we needed this game. It is also such a period of our preparation that it was more appropriate to play with such a team at the present moment. We tried some tactical moves. I think my players are able to carry out the tasks I gave them.

- Today you also saw the gaps in the team. Which positions need to be strengthened?

- We need a minimum of 5 new players. To be honest, all our positions need to be strengthened.

- In general, what do you think Sumgayit can aim for in the new season?

- Of course, it is difficult to say anything in the current situation. It is possible to say something about this after our new players arrive. Our main goal is to form a good, competitive team. And the most important condition is that I want to see a team with a high morale, both in the dressing room and on the field.

- Why did you prefer to go to Gabala instead of training in Turkey?

- For me, there is no difference between Gabala and Turkey. Before coming here, we were told that Gabala also has beautiful fields and hotels like in Turkey. I was interested, I got acquainted with the details. I was satisfied with the situation there, so I preferred Gabala when choosing. The main thing is to have a training camp in good conditions.