"Neftchi" team was playing at their home ground. Getting points was very important for us.
These words were said by "Karvan-Yevlakh" football player Vadim Abdullayev in an interview with sportnet.az after the VI round match of the Azerbaijan Premier League, which they drew goalless with "Neftchi" away.
The 31-year-old midfielder first shared his thoughts on the game:
– The game went as we expected. "Neftchi" is strong both in terms of quality and they were playing at their home ground. Considering these, it was very important for us to get points. It is a good result, because the opponent is a team that has made its mark in the Azerbaijani championship and is at a certain level. Today, especially our goalkeeper and defense had to come to the fore, and we succeeded in doing so.
There were some shortcomings in the attack line. What can you say about this?
– Frankly, our nominal striker was not on the field, he is injured. We have been playing without a nominal striker for 3-4 games now. That is why certain difficulties arise. But today we also had chances, we created episodes. We are not dissatisfied, we took 1 point, it was very important for "Karvan".
As "Karvan", who has recently returned to the Premier League, did playing against the "Neftchi" of the years put extra pressure on you?
– There was pressure in a certain sense, because we had lost the last 3 games. This also caused some concern. The opponent also looked at us as an easy opponent, but I don't think any athlete would accept that. We also wanted to prove it. We just came here not to be an easy opponent for someone, but to fight and struggle. God also helped us.
During the game, both you and your teammates were more aggressive. What was this related to?
– In such games, we are the ones who lose more energy, which is normal. The one who runs a lot becomes more aggressive, spends more energy, and reacts to every contact. But after the game, everyone met each other.