An interview with Svetoslav Petrov, the former Bulgarian midfielder of "Neftchi", for Futbolinfo.az
– First, could you tell us about yourself? How many years have you been working as a coach…
– Yes, I am currently the coach of the Bulgarian U-17 national team. Before that, I also coached in the Bulgarian top league. But now I enjoy working with young people more.
– How do you remember your career in Azerbaijan? How do you remember the years you played for "Neftchi"?
– I remember the years I spent in Baku with very pleasant feelings. I felt great in "Neftchi". Last year, when "Qarabagh" played against "Ludogorets" in Bulgaria, I found time to meet Zaur Tagizade and Elchin Rahimov. It was nice for me to see them after a long time.
– You wore the number 77 shirt in "Neftchi" and are mostly remembered for the goals you scored from free kicks. What was the most unforgettable game and goal for you in the "Black and Whites"?
– All the goals I scored are very important to me, and I remember each one of them well separately. I was very happy when I scored in the final and won the "Commonwealth Cup". It was a valuable feeling to see how happy everyone in the team and the fans were.
– Unfortunately, "Neftchi" has not been performing as it should for a long time. This is confirmed by the fact that only 1 championship has been won in recent years. What do you see as the reason for the failures of "Neftchi"?
– I cannot say why "Neftchi" could not become a champion, because I am not in the team. But on the other hand, it is necessary to take into account the great work that Gurban Gurbanov has done in "Qarabagh".
– This summer, "Neftchi" made a lot of new transfers. What result do you expect from the "Black and Whites" in the new season of the Azerbaijani championship?
– The arrival of new players does not immediately mean that the championship will be won. There are many necessary moments to form a great team that can win the championship.
– "Sabah", one of our representatives in the Conference League, will face the Bulgarian club "Levski" in the 3rd qualifying round of the tournament. How do you assess their chances?
– Currently, "Levski" is playing well, they have excellent results. I think both teams are strong. This means that great matches await us.
– What are the strengths of "Levski"? Who is the most dangerous player in this team?
– The strength of the current "Levski" is that they show a real team game. Especially they have good players in the attacking line. Marin Petkov, Radoslav Kirilov and Everton Bala are interesting players with excellent speed, who like to play one-on-one. The fact that "Levski"'s defensive midfielder Georgi Kostadinov will not play will be an advantage for "Sabah". Because he is one of the most experienced members of "Levski".
– What can you say about the Azerbaijani football player Jalal Huseynov, who plays in the Bulgarian championship, wearing the uniform of "Arda"? Do you think he will be able to move to a more ambitious club in the near future?
– To be honest, I like his game. I think that Jalal has all the necessary qualities to move to a more ambitious club in the near future.
Idman.biz