Idman.biz
An interview with Zira's Portuguese goalkeeper Tiago Silva to Telegraf
- Were you satisfied with your team's result in the match against Hayduk?
- Of course, our goals are clear. Since we played our first game at home, we wanted to go to Croatia with a favorable result. At least we were thinking of doing it by winning by a difference of one or two goals. Although this was not possible, we showed with our performance that we can clearly compete against second-tier famous teams in Europe. In the current situation, hope remains for the return match. We need to get well prepared and go to the match in Croatia for a successful result.
- You played an official match after a long time. How did you feel?
- Any player needs a certain amount of confidence to return to the field after being away from football for 4-5 months. Frankly, it was psychologically difficult. I just regained my confidence with training. I would like to especially thank our head coach Rashad Sadigov for giving me this confidence. We fought against such an opponent in this way. Considering that I haven't played for a long time and my first game was against a team like Hayduk, I am satisfied with my performance.
- It was expected that you would leave Zira during the summer break. What was the main reason that kept you here?
- Of course, there may be certain problems. These are now in the past. I wouldn't want to remember the past. In the current situation, I have a contract with Zira. We are all professionals. Considering that my contract is still in effect, I have to do my best for this team.
- You are facing a Croatian club again, should fans expect Tiago's performance from last year in the penalty shootout?
- Of course, if the game goes to extra time like last year, we will try to take advantage of penalties. I will also try not to spare anything I can.
- The 8th km stadium is an unfamiliar arena for you. Did you feel uncomfortable here?
- No, I don't think it's unfamiliar at all. Zira Sports Complex is not suitable for hosting European Cup matches. Therefore, I also thank the management of Neftchi for creating the conditions for us to perform here today. It doesn't matter whether it's Zira or Neftchi, we were performing in Azerbaijan, that is, at home. Now, more than 30,000 fans will support the opponent on the road. I thank every Azerbaijani fan who came to this stadium today to support us.
- How do you rate the chances in the return match?
- The first game ended in a draw. We could have won today as well. The score could have ended in favor of both the opponent and us. I think that the fan factor will not affect our next game that much. If we finished today's match here with a draw, of course we will try to win on the road as well. The fan factor will not have a significant impact.
Idman.biz
