"Neftchi" defeated "Gabala" 1-0 in the 19th round of the Misli Premier League at home. Sport24.az reports that the head coach of the capital team, Yuri Vernidub, answered journalists' questions at the press conference held after the match:
- The team played well in the first half, but could not show the same tempo in the second half. What is the reason for this?
- Yes, we played very well in the first half. We scored one goal. We could have scored a second one. "Gabala" had no chances at all. As for the second half, it is related to psychology. The team had not won in this stadium for a long time. Maybe the team chose to defend because we were ahead in the score. This is not the game we want. We were expecting a better game. I told the players that we need a win today. So that we can continue our journey. They achieved it. I thank you too. The game is forgotten. The result is always remembered.
- There are reports in the media that you are the one who most demands that the game with "Qarabag" not be postponed. How true is this?
- Which media wrote it? Who wrote it? If I am told to play, we will play. If we are told not to play, we will not play.
- The head coach of the opposing team said that there was aggression in the game. Do you agree with this idea?
- There was no aggression, there was intensity. I did not see the football players of "Neftchi" and "Gabala" hitting or injuring each other.
- The issue of postponing the game with "Qarabag" has dominated the agenda in recent days. Is there a need to approach that match with special motivation, or will you treat it like a normal game?
- There are 12 teams in the Azerbaijan Premier League. For us, one of them is us, and the other 11 teams are opponents. Every game is important to me. It doesn't matter whether the opponent is "Qarabag", "Sumgayit" or "Kapaz". I want to win the game. That is the task before me.
- Were you satisfied with the referee's management?
- I am the head coach and I cannot comment on the referee's actions. There is a federation, a Referees Committee for this. But to be honest, I disagree with some points. Referees are also human, they can also make mistakes. I didn't see any bias.
- Is your new transfer Breno Almeida ready to play?
- We have been watching him for a long time. We have very good scouting. This player was liked by both the scouts and the coaching staff. He can play both on the flanks and in the center of the attack. He has good speed, technique and dribbling. I have high expectations of him. He will be training with us from tomorrow. Of course, it takes a little time for him to fully adapt to the team. He can play in a week. I can't let him play right away. It is necessary to look at the football player in training.