Slavko Georgiyevski: "The biggest problem in Neftchi is the psychological state" - INTERVIEW

An interview with former Neftchi player Slavko Georgiyevski for Sportal.az - In the last round of the Premier League, Neftchi lost to Zira with a score of 2:4, although they were leading 2:0. In your opinion, why can't the team win even if they score two goals? - It's football, it happens. If you concede 1 goal after scoring 2:0, the chance to keep the score is halved. In such cases, the final result is most likely 2:2. But losing with a score of 2:4... This already says a lot. Probably, the main problem in Neftchi is a psychological issue. - Should Neftchi's squad be rebuilt from scratch in the summer? - Most likely, a change is needed. The current players cannot raise the level of the team. It is necessary to build a team over two years, starting from the summer. But a big change can also negatively affect the team. It is imperative to bring in a maximum of 2-3 new players. - The team's head coach, Samir Abasov, also stated that their priority is to win the national cup. If a team that is 2:0 ahead in the Premier League loses in the end, what result can they hope for in the cup? - It was already clear from December that Neftchi had no chance of winning the championship. At that time, the club should have taken the cup. If there is such a big difference in points with Qarabag in the first place, how will they play in Europe? It's hard to say anything. - By the way, Neftchi lost 1:2 at home to Sabah in the first match of the semi-final stage of the national cup. What are Neftchi's chances of reaching the final? - Neftchi must beat Sabah. If this does not happen... It's already a disgrace. Then a new team must be built. It is necessary to attract the best players of the U-19, U-21 national team to Neftchi. In addition, several good foreign players. If not, I don't know... It is necessary to build a good team in two years. But there is no need to rush to win something. Neftchi cannot win the championship anyway. After building a new team in two years, it is imperative to go on the offensive. That is when you can win the championship. Otherwise, it is impossible to achieve anything by changing players every summer. - From the 2025/2026 season, the Premier League will not apply a limit on foreign players. How will this decision help Neftchi? - No, I don't agree. Suppose this decision helped Neftchi and other clubs. But what about local players? What about the national team? If there are too many foreign players, what should local players do? They have to work harder to get into the squad. In any case, this decision has both advantages and disadvantages. I think it is possible to develop young players and bring in good foreign players. The best players from the U-19 and U-21 national teams should play for Neftchi, and in this case, their development is possible. Idman.biz