Arif Asadov: “This can be due to both fatigue and lack of concentration”

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19 July 2025 11:55
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Arif Asadov: “This can be due to both fatigue and lack of concentration”

”Although Sabah did not advance to the next round, they showed themselves well in both matches.”

İdman.biz reports that these words were said by former Azerbaijan national team coach Arif Asadov in an interview with Sport24.az.

The experienced specialist shared his thoughts on the Azerbaijani club’s loss to Slovenia’s Celje in the first qualifying round of the Europa League: “We watched evenly matched games, despite facing a tough and experienced opponent. In the end, Celje’s experience and Sabah’s lack of full readiness affected the result. After the defeat in the first match, there was nothing to lose. The team had to take risks. They did so, starting the game by applying pressure on the opponent. They achieved what they wanted and took the lead.”

Arif Asadov also spoke about the main problems of the Azerbaijani club: “Sabah defended somewhat better in the second match. But they also lost the ball quickly after gaining possession. Lack of control over the ball was one of the main problems. They took the lead in the score. In extra time, their physical condition was not that strong. They conceded goals in the last minutes of both matches. This can be due to both fatigue and lack of concentration. But the matches were good. Sabah stood out as a team with potential. I think they will qualify for the next stages of the Conference League. Transfers and the head coach’s work played their part. The substitutions made by the new coach added strength to the game. In my opinion, even though they lost, they showed a worthy performance.”

Sabah lost 2-3 at home in Baku but won the away match with the same score in regular time. Since extra time ended 3-3, the Baku team was eliminated.

İdman.biz