Qol.az
"I was expecting such a game. Both teams did their best. That is, there was a fight."
These words were said by Agaselim Mirjavadov, Honored Coach of Azerbaijan, in his statement to QOL.az.
The 77-year-old expert spoke about the return match between Neftchi and Sabah in the semi-final of the Azerbaijan Cup. He expressed his views on the game, which ended with a score of 1:1, and Neftchi's farewell to the cup: "Neftchi played very well in the first half. I counted, Filip Ozobic had 3 scoring opportunities. It was necessary to use it. In the second half, Sabah played very strongly. They could not even use 3-4 goal episodes."
A. Mirjavadov also commented on the statement made by Neftchi's head coach Samir Abasov after the game: "I didn't bring these players, I didn't build the team." Mirjavadov noted that many legionnaires are really not players worthy of Neftchi: "This is a tradition. When a new head coach comes, if some of the previous coach's players remain in the team, he says that I didn't bring them, I need time. In fact, I also think that Samir Abasov needs to be given time. Samir should stay and work in Neftchi. He is a local, willing, hard-working coach. I am also dissatisfied with Neftchi's players. The legionnaires are not worthy of Neftchi.
In yesterday's game, the whole team was willing, they played as much as they could. But they can't do more than that. Their level is up to here. That's why I always say that legionnaires should be chosen so that they are players worthy of Neftchi. Why do Qarabag and Sabah find good players, but Neftchi doesn't? That is the difference. Also, the main issue is that many coaches in our country cannot reveal a football player. But I think young coaches need to be given time. It will gradually improve. There is no need to rush in any work."
The former coach of "Neftchi" also talked about the unstable play of his former team and the reasons for it: "Neftchi cannot field an optimal squad in 3-4 consecutive games. It is known that the new head coach is in search. I would say that most of the players currently playing for Neftchi have only this much potential. There is nothing beyond that. But Neftchi is a club that must play in European cups every year. This needs to be shown not in words, but in deeds. Let it not be the Champions League, let it be the Conference League. Because when you play in European cups, you have more opportunities to bring in legionnaire players. It may be that some Neftchi players sometimes perform well. But there is no stable game. This is also related to their level. I repeat, head coach Samir Abasov needs to be given a chance. This also depends on the club's management. Time will tell how they will decide."
Ramig Agamammadov
