Sport24.az
Diogo Balaun, who drew goalless with "Qarabagh" in the IX round of the Misli Premier League, answered journalists' questions.
Sport24.az presents that interview…
- What can you say about the match?
- It was a difficult game. We were aware that it would be difficult. We prepared well. We played well. As a team, I am happy with the result we achieved.
- "Qarabagh" is a team that participates in the Champions League. How much motivation is it for you to face such an opponent?
- Of course, I think the whole team is affected by this. Because "Qarabagh" is a club that plays in the Champions League, at the European level. Playing against a team of this level requires serious responsibility for the whole team.
- Do you follow "Qarabagh" in the Champions League?
- Of course. I watch all their games.
- Although you came to "Shamakhi" in the summer, you show with your game that you have been playing in Azerbaijan, in "Shamakhi" for a long time. What can you say about this?
- I think these are the result of the support of the coaching staff. It was very important that we felt more comfortable here. The country we came from also plays a role here. We feel comfortable in Azerbaijan. This also affects our game.
- At this rate, it seems you won't stay in "Shamakhi" for long?
- It's good to hear that. Everyone wants to play in good leagues, in a good team, and earn big money. But I currently have a contract with "Shamakhi". I also feel very happy in this team.
- Your head coach Aykhan Abbasov is also the head coach of the Azerbaijan national team. Doesn't this moment negatively affect your team?
- First of all, I would like to say that before I came here, my agent told me that working with Aykhan Abbasov would be good for me. Because it will support my development. Of course, the coach factor plays a big role in the development of every player. The coach factor is important for my development. When it comes to the national team, we can only get positive influence from here. Because it is a great experience, he works with the best football players in the country and gains great experience with them. This also affects us well.
- "Qarabagh" defeated "Benfica" from your country. Do you think that the Azerbaijan Premier League has really improved to achieve such a victory?
- It was an interesting game. I just enjoyed the game, I didn't support anyone. It was really surprising that "Qarabagh" won. Because "Benfica" is one of the best teams in Europe. But it is gratifying that "Qarabagh" won. This also speaks about the development, the height of the league. Other teams in the Premier League are also starting to get stronger. I talk to some of "Qarabagh"'s players, they say that this season is even more difficult.
- What do you like most about Azerbaijan?
- I really like the behavior of people in Azerbaijan. True, I haven't had much time to travel all over Azerbaijan. But based on what I have seen here, I can say that the approach is very good, you are hospitable people.
