Idman.biz
Yuri Vernidub, head coach of the "Neftchi" football club, which plays in the Misli Premier League of Azerbaijan, shared his thoughts after the 31st round game against "Shamakhi".
Idman.Biz reports that the Ukrainian specialist answered journalists' questions about the team's style of play, upcoming goals and squad changes at the press conference held after the 3:0 victory.
Vernidub stated that "Neftchi" should show aggressive football from the first minutes. Answering a question about Valeri Lobanovsky's coaching philosophy, he said that he has great respect for the legendary specialist, but his team is building its own path:
"Valeri Lobanovsky is a great and legendary coach. I wouldn't say that I know him very well and try to apply his system. We, as "Neftchi", try to show a game worthy of the club's name. This is a team that must show aggressive football from the first minutes. It must apply pressure, it must try to possess the ball from the first minutes to the end".
The head coach emphasized that the early goal in the match against "Shamakhi" affected the course of the game. According to him, the team converted the opportunities they could not use in the first half into goals after the break.
The Ukrainian coach also touched upon the importance of the upcoming match against "Sabah". He stated that "Neftchi" is fighting with "Zira" in the tournament table and the team has no right to make mistakes:
"We have no way out. There is a three-point difference between us and "Zira" in the tournament table. But this means nothing. We will only play for the result in the match against "Sabah". They are preparing for the cup match on May 13. If they win, they will end the season with two titles. We must also do our best to finish the season in at least fourth place".
Regarding the goalkeeper change, Vernidub said that this was a decision made after the 1:5 defeat to "Qarabag". He considered both Kenan Piric and Emil Balayev as goalkeepers of the same level:
"Kenan Piric is a good goalkeeper. Balayev too. We just decided to give Balayev a chance after the big defeat against "Qarabag". I had to make changes after that game. We changed four players then. This worked in our favor. We will have two goalkeepers of the same level for the future".
The head coach also commented on the issue of giving a chance to Vensan Abubakar and other players. Vernidub noted that every player who works hard will get a chance to play:
"Every player will be given a chance. Questions were also asked about Agadadash Salyanski. You see that he also gets a chance in the last two matches. I really like his dedication in the training process. That's why I gave him a chance in the game. Whoever works hard will be given a chance. This is our football life".
After this victory, "Neftchi" continues to fight to finish the season in a position close to the European Cup zone.
