Vugar Mammadov: Injuries to key players affected the course of the season

"Sometimes in sports, details determine the outcome. This season, the key detail for us was the absence of key players at crucial moments."

These words were spoken by Vugar Mammadov, the president of the UNEC women's volleyball club, while evaluating the completed season.

He stated that the season can be characterized as two distinct phases.

"The first half of the season was very successful for us. The team demonstrated stable and confident play, finishing the first round of the championship in third place in the tournament table. This showed both the potential of the team and the effectiveness of the established system. In the end, we finished fifth out of nine teams. Of course, there was an expectation of a higher result. However, considering the existing conditions, we evaluate the completed season as both a lesson and a base for the future. I think that with the right system, UNEC will be more ambitious next season," he emphasized in his statement to AZERTAC.

According to the head of the club, the injury of two key volleyball players in January had a serious impact on the team's performance:

"Unfortunately, this factor negatively affected the course of the season. Despite the intensive treatment, their previous game rhythm and performance were not fully restored. This was reflected in the results. Nevertheless, the team maintained its fighting spirit. In the play-off stage, we had a very tense and high-level match with "Ganja". The fate of the game was decided in five sets. Although we lost, the team showed character until the end."

V. Mammadov also touched upon the positive aspects of the season:

"The competitive game, team spirit, and potential shown by our volleyball players during most of the season should be especially noted. UNEC has already proven that it is among the ambitious teams in the championship. The formation of a young and promising squad is also an important factor."