Sport24.az
After the "Sumgayit" – "Neftchi" match (1:3) of the XXVI round of the Misli Premier League, the head coach of the visiting team, Yuri Vernidub, answered journalists' questions. Sport24.az reports that the specialist said the following at the meeting with media representatives:
– A year ago, I worked in Ukraine, in "Krivbass". At that time, if I'm not mistaken, it was April 4th. A ballistic missile was fired at the children's playground and 9 children died. Along with 9 children, 21 adults also died. Even though time has passed, I remember it. I had to say this. Now you can ask questions.
– Did you change anything from the previous matches to win today?
– We work, we work hard. The players are in a good mood. All the players want to play. Our job is easier now. I just have to choose the squad. You can see for yourself, the team performed well today. We created enough goal opportunities, the difference could have been bigger. We reacted well after the goal we conceded. As a coach, that is what is important to me.
– There are 2 games ahead with "Qarabag". The other opponents are "Zira" and "Araz-Nakhchivan". How did the team return from the break? How ready are you for these games?
– I told the kids that there is a tough month of April. We will have 5 games and we will play against strong opponents in a row. This is great. I am looking forward to these games. I want to see what my team is capable of. It would be good if we could pass these matches in one breath.
– What is Emin Mahmudov's situation?
– I have great expectations from him. I think he will join the trainings in 1-2 days. You know, he is the captain. A game with the captain is one thing, without the captain is another. There may be difficulties in terms of management on the field without him. Emin grows bigger every day that passes.
– You are losing points to teams below you in the tournament table. There will be duels against them ahead. Do you have any different plan?
– There is always a plan: go out, play and win. We will see how it goes.
– If the plan is the same, why is it difficult to score points in games with ambitious teams?
– There is a plan for every game. I can't say that now. We know the strengths and weaknesses of our opponents. We have not only plan A, but also plan B.
– You made some tactical changes. Although Abubakar is in reserve, what is the reason for not releasing a central striker in the starting "11"?
– Vargas is playing his second game as a striker. Sambu has some minor problems. He is still not training with us. Abubakar has not yet reached his full form. That's why Vargas played in the start and it wasn't bad.
– What can you say about the controversial referee decisions in the "Turan Tovuz" – "Zira" game?
– The referees have also offended us. But they are also human, they can make mistakes. Decisions are sometimes difficult for the losing team. I dedicate my strength to my team, I don't pay attention to other factors. When I was in Ukraine, the referees loved me, and they still do. Again, my job is to prepare my team for games.
