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An interview with Elnur Abdullayev, the head coach of "Shahdag Gusar," which became the champion in the Second League, for futbolinfo.az.
– You became the champion in the Second League without losing a game. What are your impressions?
– It was a well-deserved championship. This is a double championship. In the sense that we did not face defeat during the season. Indeed, an undefeated championship is a wonderful thing. I always trusted my players. Believe me, even though we secured a spot in the First League with 6 rounds left before the end of the season, I didn't see joy in the boys at that time. Because we had set a specific goal of winning the championship. Normally, if you win a place in the First League, it's like a championship. But that wasn't enough for us, we specifically targeted the championship. We also achieved the championship we deserved. I sincerely congratulate my players, the club management, and the "Shahdag Gusar" fans.
– You had a serious championship fight with "Shafa" until the last round, and in the end, you were 1 point ahead of them. Did you expect "Shafa" to show this level of competition?
– If "Shafa" wasn't in the Second League, we could have formalized the championship 6 rounds earlier. Indeed, we had a good fight. In the first round, we defeated "Shafa" with a score of 7:1. After that, I would say that there was a 90 percent change in "Shafa": they changed the coach and recruited experienced players into the squad. We already knew that it would be difficult after that. The second round was more difficult for us than the first round. Because we were the leaders, the opponents played against us with different motivation. Because we understood this, we treated each match like a final. Our meeting with "Shafa" in Baku was like a final. We also had a good game, my players fulfilled everything I ordered, and in the end, we left the field with 1 point. This was the championship point. In the end, we became the champion.
– "Shahdag Gusar" will play in the First League next season. What will be your goal? Will you be able to compete for the championship in this league as well?
– I can't say anything about this right now. We will have a meeting with the management soon. I can provide information about this after I know what the management requires and what goal they set for us.
– In the Second League, you were forced to play your games in Shamakhi. What is the situation with the renovation works at the "Shahdag Gusar" stadium? Will you be able to host your opponents in Gusar in the First League?
– If we play our home games in Gusar, we will start the games with a 1:0 advantage thanks to our wonderful fans. Hopefully, the stadium will be restored soon and we will host our opponents in Gusar.
– Has it been clarified whether Rahid Amirguliyev, the captain of the team, will help "Shahdag Gusar" as a player in the First League as well?
– We will talk about this with Rahid among ourselves. This is something that the player himself has to decide. I also told him to make his own decision. If a football player can play, has the strength, and can help the team, it doesn't matter to me how old he is. We will respect whatever decision Rahid makes. I'm by his side, I support him. Time will tell what decision he will make.
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