Idman.biz
"I think the mentality in the team has changed for the better now. I see that the players are sacrificing more for the team."
This was stated by "Neftchi" football player Sessi Dalmeyda in an interview with sport24.az.
We present that interview:
- You lost to "Zira" in the 1/8 final stage of the Azerbaijan Cup. What can you say about the game? Why do you think you lost?
- I don't think we deserved to lose in this game. We were closer to victory. We played well in both the first half and the second half, but we lost. I think we lost the game in extra time. Nevertheless, I am proud of our team because we fought. We fought, but it was not enough to win this game. And now we are out of the cup.
- What has changed in the team after Samir Abasov?
- I think the mentality in the team has changed for the better now. I see that the players are sacrificing more for the team. There are many positive changes with the new head coach - new thinking, new approach. I believe that if we give him the opportunity to work, he will do great things.
- It seemed that "Neftchi" was waiting for penalties in extra time...
- I felt that way too. The team had no strength left to win the game. Our legs were not carrying us forward. This also led to the defeat - there was not enough mentality and strength to win the game.
- You say "We fought". Some fought, but some didn't. For example, Vargas takes the ball, dribbles several times and loses the ball...
- You know, this is football. Dribbling is his style of play. We must also be behind him and insure him. It is not right to blame one player. Football is a game of mistakes. Sometimes one person's mistake is visible, but the whole team loses. He lost the ball, yes, but we had to cover him. That is the issue.
- "Neftchi" has not been able to win in the last 4 championship games. You are in 7th place in the tournament table and have stopped fighting in the cup. But "Neftchi" has a good squad and good conditions. What is the problem? What does the team need?
- I think we are now in a period where a new bond is being created between the team and the coaching staff. A new breath, new air has come to the team. As I have said many times, if we give the coach the opportunity to work with this tactical approach and belief, we will reach where we want to be. I believe in it.
- Do you sometimes think that you made a mistake by choosing "Neftchi"?
- No, no. I don't think so. The issue here is not "Apollon is good, Neftchi is good". I came here for one purpose - to win titles. "Neftchi" is a big club with big ambitions. But both the club and the players need some time. It is difficult to say "Time is needed", because it is already December. But I still believe - both in myself and in the team. We just need a turning point. The coach, Abubakar, has arrived and a great belief has arisen in the team with him. We have strong players. I feel that something is coming, something is changing. We lost, yes. But that doesn't mean we're weak. We will achieve something this season - I strongly believe in it. We just need more struggle. A football player who falls on the field must get up and sprint back, we need such a mentality.
