Football coach Aftandil Hajiyev’s interview with Idman.biz
– Sabail's relegation to the First Division became official with two rounds remaining in the Misli Premier League. As a former coach who once helped this club win bronze medals and qualify for European competitions, this news likely saddened you.
– Of course. We had some good times at Sabail. We can name many people who played a vital role in the club's development and in raising its profile. Unfortunately, we are now witnessing the team’s departure from the Premier League. But this is football – such things happen. I sincerely hope the team continues to operate even in the First Division. We did a lot of good work at Sabail in the past. Although we wanted to carry it forward, unfortunately, it didn’t happen.
– Why didn’t it work out?
– It wasn’t solely about me. The situation turned out this way due to internal processes within the club and changes in its overall operational principles. Factors like the lack of stable operations eventually led to the team’s relegation.
– Speaking of instability, can the frequent changes in head coach be considered one of the main reasons for the team’s poor results?
– I wouldn’t say that. It’s just one of the reasons, but not the main one. In my opinion, there were management issues within the club. The club changed hands multiple times. That, in turn, impacted the results. One coach would build the team, another would take over. In such circumstances, it’s difficult to maintain consistent performance and achieve success.
– In the Azerbaijani championship, we've seen teams like Shamakhi and Gabala return to the Premier League after just a one-year break. Do you think "Sabail" can do the same?
– I hope the team can regroup and return to the Premier League next season. We know that the Bayil district has produced players like Maksim Medvedev and Rauf Aliyev for Azerbaijani football. Talented players can also emerge from the Academy in the future. I really hope the Academy continues its work. Bayil is a district that lives and breathes football. That’s what saddens me most. I know the fans are also disappointed right now. They were hopeful their club would achieve great things. For a time, we celebrated good results and even experienced the excitement of European competition. Unfortunately, we couldn’t sustain that success.
– If you had stayed, could you have continued that success? In general, do you think Sabail would have been relegated if you had remained as head coach?
– It’s hard to answer that question. It wasn’t just about me staying – the club needed to operate under a unified system. Without unity, it’s impossible to talk about any kind of success. It’s too late to talk about what would have happened if I had stayed. I just hope the team doesn’t lose motivation and returns to the Premier League. I wish Sabail all the best.
Aytaj Sahed
Idman.biz
