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An interview with Besart Ibraimi, the striker and captain of "Shkëndija", for Sportal.az
- "Shkëndija" managed to defeat FCSB in both matches of the Champions League II qualifying round. How did you achieve this? Surely, the victory at home gave you great confidence?
- Of course, the team was confident. We went into both matches to win. The victory at home gave the team great confidence. We played to the end in the away match and won. We managed to win a historic victory.
- Your opponent in the third qualifying round is "Qarabag". What do you think about "Qarabag", what information do you have?
- "Qarabag" is a very good team with a very good head coach. This team has very high-level players and we treat them with great respect. "Qarabag" is the favorite of the game. But we are fully prepared for a new challenge. We all believe that we can beat "Qarabag". But let me say again that "Qarabag" is the favorite, we accept it. "Qarabag" has made some changes in its squad this summer. But despite this, expectations from the club are high. Everyone in Azerbaijan expects "Qarabag" to beat "Shkëndija".
- What do people think in North Macedonia?
- Yes, people in our country also trust and have confidence in our team. "Qarabag" is the favorite, but not invincible. We will enter the field believing. We will fight to the end.
- The first match is in Skopje. Do you consider this a positive or a negative for yourself? In any case, it is possible to gain self-confidence in the first match...
- It may be that the first meeting is at our home. But I don't think it matters or makes any difference. Because we will have to fight both in Skopje and in Baku. Therefore, we absolutely do not pay attention to this point.
- In your opinion, who is the most dangerous player or the most dangerous side of "Qarabag"?
- I said that "Qarabag" is a very good team overall. Of course, they have very good players in their squad. I would especially emphasize Abdullah Zubir and Kadi Borges. But all the players in the team are good. We treat them with respect.
- Interestingly, "Shkëndija" has faced an Azerbaijani club twice before and has always advanced. Do you remember the matches against "Neftchi" and "Sumgayit"?
- Of course, I remember the games against both "Neftchi" and "Sumgayit" well. We played well against both opponents and we were the ones who passed the stage.
- You scored against both "Sumgayit" and "Neftchi". Do you think it is possible to do this in the match against "Qarabag", or does your current opponent seem stronger than them?
- What is important is to give my best for the team. But even if I score a goal, it will be an advantage. I would like to rejoice for that. But the most important thing is to qualify for the next stage.
- I guess if "Shkëndija" can beat "Qarabag", everyone in North Macedonia will expect you to advance to the main stage of the Champions League? Will there be any pressure?
- No, there is no pressure from us. We want to move forward step by step. We continue with the games one by one. Then we let time take its course.
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