Idman.biz
The Azerbaijan Men's Volleyball Championship was memorable with the victory of "Xilasedici". In the final match, the team won a tenacious victory over "Ordu" with a score of 3:1 (24:26, 25:16, 27:25, 25:21).
Immediately after the award ceremony, the head coach of the champions, Jalil Jalilov, answered the questions of Idman.Biz.
- What goals were set for the club before the start of the season, and which of them were you able to achieve?
- The management set two goals for us - to pass at least one stage in the European Cups and to become the national champion. As you can see, we coped with both tasks. I am grateful to my volleyball players for this.
- Have the prospects for the next European Cup season already been discussed?
- Yes, participation will be mandatory. In the coming days, the management will decide whether we will play in the Champions League or the Challenge Cup. In both cases, our goal is to pass more stages, and for this we will strengthen the squad.
This year, due to our participation in international games, we were exceptionally allowed to order eight legionnaires, while other clubs are allowed six legionnaires. Our current plan is to keep only three foreign players from the current squad and transfer five stronger volleyball players from abroad.
- So who will stay in the team?
- I can't name names yet. Negotiations are ongoing, and if someone offers better terms, it may end without results. It's not just about money. Not many people want to come to our country, because only six clubs participate in the championship - such a tournament is not interesting to them, and they sometimes prefer other leagues for less money. But you will be the first to know who will stay in the team, I promise.
- Which game in the championship was most memorable for you?
- Probably the final game again. "Ordu" volleyball players showed a very good game and discipline. It was very difficult for us. They seemed to be just as motivated as we were.
- When did you believe that you would not lose the victory?
- We unexpectedly lost in the first set. I was in shock - I did not expect such an insecure game from the children. Perhaps the matter was related to the hall of the Volleyball Center. There was no fan support and atmosphere there, as in our home sports complex in Hovsan. But in the second set, the team got out of stress, recovered and won a confident victory. At that moment, I realized that nothing could stop us anymore!
- Last question: did the management reward the team for the first "gold" in the club's history?
- I will not disclose the amount, of course (laughs). I will only say that the award was received by everyone, from the bus driver to the head coach.
