Gurban Gurbanov: "Following the war, we grew braver, the victory was very pleasant" - INTERVIEW

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23 February 2024 09:08
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Gurban Gurbanov: "Following the war, we grew braver, the victory was very pleasant" - INTERVIEW

"I thank my footballers and our fans. As an Azerbaijani, I am very happy to see this union. I love my people very much. Recently, Azerbaijani people are stronger.

Idman.biz reports that the Qarabag head coach Gurban Gurbanov said these words at the press conference after the return match of the UEFA Europa League playoff stage, where they lost to Braga 2:3.

The experienced specialist commented on the fact that they qualified for the 1/8 final stage of the European Cups for the first time in their history by winning 6:5 on the total score: "After 44 days of war, our Commander-in-Chief delivered a speech about being as strong and determined as a fist. We became more daring after the war. I often use these words since they are motivating. Today, there was a team on the field that fought until the end. This is football. But we won with 10 people. Today it was as if there was a battle on the field. Our players suffered so much that they finally saw the result. I congratulate all our people. What we do is not 1 percent of what our martyrs and veterans did. May Allah have mercy on our martyrs and heal our veterans. I am proud of you. Once again, I congratulate Mr. President. After the first match, I wanted to congratulate Mr. President on his re-election as President. But I was patient to do it in Baku."

- Do you think that Nariman Akhundzade, who put the last point in the game, grew up in a week?

- It has grown a lot. It will even grow bigger in the future. We all witnessed Nariman's tears after the first match on the trip. He always worked on himself in training. I believe this will continue.

- What were you thinking after the score was 0:2?

- ⁠In the episodes, I was also aggressive. Everyone needs to be considered in such games. Everyone wants to win, aggression is normal. But everything that is against us has a benefit. You need to be ready for every challenge. These games are a great experience for all Azerbaijani football. Endurance and will are very necessary for us. It was very nice to win in such a situation.

- Have our goals increased?

- ⁠We live and work with hope. If we do not set goals, we will not have results. Such victories are a great success and confidence for all our football. If we have a chance, we will try not to use it as much as possible. There is no irresponsible person in this club, especially the management.

- You went down in history. What was the turning point after 0-2?

- ⁠Turning points can be counted. But I think perseverance and character won out. I wanted us not to concede a goal in 90 minutes. After that, I prepared for extra time and told my players that we should not back down and attack the opponent. In the end, we won with Nariman's goal.

- ⁠Nariman's rescue and extra time... What can you say about this scenario?

- The opponent won in the first 90 minutes. It all started after staying with 10 players. There were 100 percent goal episodes. There are many such games and situations in world football. We must all be patient. We also experience moments that we don't think about.

- Don't you think that it is necessary to change the situation in the team? Are you thinking of leading the way for the national team?

- It will be good. Everything ends well.

- How did you feel when fans opened the banner with the photo of National Hero Allahverdi Bagirov?

- I had very strange feelings and I was very emotional.

- Will Nariman be able to prevent the public condemnation directed against Elvin and Bahlul with the goal he scored today?

- I told Elvin that you are a son. We may lose, but it is very important to be so passionate about the team. He is not afraid of all attacks, if he goes forward, it takes heart. They cannot be blamed. Because they suffered a lot. This is football. I do not think that our fans are dissatisfied with these players. Today Nariman can score a goal and cover someone else's mistake, and tomorrow someone else can stand out and cover his mistake. Nariman gave joy to our people today.

- What ideas did you convey to the football players during the game so that they managed to play with such heart on the field?

- This is not just today's work. After our glorious victory, I tell them to always attack the opponent. We are the citizens of the victorious nation. We have been at this level for months. In the end, I don't need any additional motivation in front of such a fan.

- ⁠After today's game of the team, there will be offers to your players. What do you think about it?

- ⁠Every field has its own difficulties. I would like to always write a lot of articles about such victories and our players. If we lose something somewhere and do not give up, if we treat it correctly, there should be a reward for it. We have to do our own thing and handle it. Results will follow. Let's have some suggestions for our players. We have to grow as a club. If there are no such cases, if we are far from the transfer market, we will count in our place. But I would like this collective to remain. There are situations that do not depend on us.

- ⁠Azerbaijani football is hungry for such situations. Do you have any intention of changing your club?

- What can I say? It would be nice. In general, believe me, I am a normal citizen of the country. I thought to serve my country and people with great responsibility. I enjoy it. We are slowly making progress and seeing the fruits of our labor.

- After the victory in Portugal, you gathered your players and said something. You announced that you will not disclose this in Baku. What did you say to them after the match in Braga?

- We had a small dialogue with them. I said we haven't done anything yet. After that we have to be more careful. We will face a strong opponent. We must govern ourselves correctly and properly. I told them not to be swayed by compliments and suggestions.

- You used to approach games with caution. But after the Patriotic War, you say that we appear as the team of the victorious country. We played your first game in Khankendi. Would you like to host the European Cup match here?

- The moments in Khankendi were priceless that day. Believe me, I was proud and delighted when Mr. President hit the ball first, stood with his hands on his waist. Our football players were very interested in the events during the war, they were given information about our heroes. We dedicate the victory to our people, especially Mr. President.

- After your assistant Elchin Rahmanov received a red card and was removed from the field, how did you feel his absence?

- His role in our team was undeniable. He is the person I trust the most, the person we discuss our work with the most. He has very smart, thoughtful ideas and also benefits the team. In some minutes, I turned around to say something, but I could see that he was not there. Then I adapted. But the team managed everything. He will not be with me in the next match. Nevertheless, we will communicate.

Banuchichek Huseynli

Idman.biz