A press conference was held for Sasa Ilic, the newly appointed head coach of Sumgayit.
According to Sportal.az, the Serbian specialist answered several questions:
— When did you receive the offer from Sumgayit? What did you know about Azerbaijani football beforehand?
— We met the club president in Belgrade, where he shared the vision of a big project. Based on our talks, I signed a one-year contract. I had some information about Azerbaijani football from Serbian and Montenegrin players who played at Qarabag. I’ve seen the stadium and facilities, I’m satisfied. As discussed with the president, we’ll fight for better results next season.
— You signed for only a year despite a big project being discussed. Isn’t that contradictory?
— In football, things change quickly. One year is just the beginning. The main goal now is to build the team and develop a playing style, we have enough time.
— What is the team’s target next season?
— I know last season’s results weren’t great. Our target will be to qualify for European competitions. But it depends on the players, we need quality to achieve that.
— You’re well-known from your time at Galatasaray. Could this attention affect your work?
— There’s a big difference between a player and a coach. If people remember me as a player, that’s a positive. I’ve been a coach for five years now, and my playing experience only helps me.
— With just over 30 days before the season starts, will you need to accelerate transfer activity?
— Like any coach, I’d prefer the team to be ready, but the situation is clear — we have 16-17 players. We’ll work with the president to complete the squad.
— Agent Dzhamal Akaev claimed you declined the first offer but accepted the second. Is that true?
— That’s not accurate.
— What is your football philosophy?
— It depends on the team. At CSKA, we played attacking football. Here, we haven’t finalized the squad yet. The playing style will depend on the players.
— You’ve worked mostly one season per club. Why? For example, did you leave Nizhny Novgorod because Russian clubs couldn’t play in European competitions?
— My goal there was to keep the team in the Premier League, which I achieved. Maybe it was a club decision. At Atromitos, I took over when they had 3 points and led them to the playoffs. At CSKA, we were second, close to the leaders.
— Any players from Nizhny Novgorod you’d consider bringing to Sumgayit?
— It’s too early to say, there are many options.
— Before you were hired, many other names were linked to the position. Why do you think Riad Rafiyev chose you?
— You’d have to ask him that (laughs).
Idman.biz
