After the match between "Araz-Nakhchivan" and "Neftchi" (0:4) in the XVIII 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…
– Previous coaches complained about the team's physical condition. But today, the team had both game discipline and applied high pressure. What did you change in the team in winter?
– My initial desire was that this performance should not be for one game, but for every match. Because my players can do it. When it comes to physical condition, we need to be better, we have more work ahead of us. Because if the team's physical condition is good, they will play beautifully, press well, and carry out good attacks. Speed also stands behind these. Even before the game, Imad Faraj and Jordan Rezabala were sick, they were not there. They weren't even with us. Because they were sick for 5 days, other players looked good on the field. We don't have stars, we have a team. Everyone for one, one for all – that's our motto. That's why I'm proud of each of them.
– What were you able to do today that you couldn't do in the previous round against "Zira"?
– I said that the game against "Zira" was difficult. I don't think we weren't ready for the game against "Zira". The psychological situation factor played a role there. We played beautifully in friendly matches, just like the match we played today. The most important thing for me is to convey that each of the players should play like today. Then I will be calm and patient.
– What is Freddie Vargas' situation?
– I can't say for sure. They stitched his leg. There is a very serious cut there. I want to hope that everything will be fine.
– Azerbaijani football players don't play much due to competition. Will you allow them to be sent on loan?
– We are not preparing to loan anyone. We have 22 football players and 4 goalkeepers. Whoever has been loaned out before, has been. Everyone wants to play. I will create conditions for each of them. We will also follow Rza Jafarov, who was loaned to "Gabala".
– The next meeting will be against your former club "Gabala"…
– I treat that team with great respect, my son played there for 3 years. Respect is one thing, the game is another. I want "Neftchi" to win. And the head coach of "Gabala" also wants his victories. They have been performing well in the last rounds, it will be an interesting game.
– Neither Andrey Shtogrin nor Murad Mammadov play 90 minutes. Is the reason their physical condition, or what?
– Shtogrin took a blow to his knee during the game. Kudos to him for playing even in that condition. If it comes to physical condition, he can easily run 120-130 minutes. He asked for a substitution himself. The score also allowed us to make a change. The same applies to Murad. I have 22 players, everyone wants to play. I must create conditions for all players to play so that they do not always sit on the bench, but show the game on the field. Game practice is completely different, 30 minutes of game is more useful than an hour and a half of training.