Interview with Sumgayit FC’s Israeli footballer Roi Kehat for Teleqraf
– You’ve been playing for Sumgayit for two years now. How do you feel here?
– Overall, my experience in Sumgayit has been good. Of course, my first year was better in terms of the team’s success compared to the second. I feel good and have tried to show my skills during these two years. My goal is to continue contributing to the team as much as I can. I feel great in Azerbaijan. I enjoy my life here and see myself staying for many more years.
– How are the initial training sessions with the team’s new head coach Sasa Ilic?
– The first training sessions have been held at a good pace. The coaching staff knows how to gradually prepare us for the start of the season. The head coach’s approach is very demanding. He clearly and repeatedly emphasizes what he wants to see from the players so that we can adapt our style to the way he wants the team to play.
– How has Sasa Ilic’s arrival affected the team’s atmosphere?
– There is always high motivation at the start of a new season. After resting during the off-season, you return full of energy, ready to work and be better in the upcoming campaign.
– Does he have any specific rules about discipline?
– Tactical discipline on the field is very important for Ilic.
– Has he spoken to you personally?
– As a professional, we’ve talked during training about his expectations from me and the position I will be playing in. He is very open-minded and communicative.
– How would you compare Sasa Ilic with your former head coach Vagif Javadov?
– I don’t like comparing coaches. Each has their own style and approach. It’s not my place to comment. I just focus on my job and strive to do my best.
– You’ve worked under several head coaches at Sumgayit. Under whose leadership did you feel the most free and confident?
– Both coaches from my previous two seasons gave me confidence and the chance to show myself. During my first season at Sumgayit, the team overall was better. Samir Abasov had the ability to bring out the maximum potential in players.
– The squad has seen many changes. Whose departure do you regret the most?
– Yes, there have been a lot of changes this year. Every football team has a year of generational change. There were some very important figures in the locker room and on the pitch. Now the club must figure out how to replace those players. It’s a great opportunity for others to step up, show their abilities, and make the most of it.
– Apart from Azerbaijan and your homeland Israel, you also played for Austria Wien in Austria. How would you compare the fans of these three countries?
– I think fan culture is similar in Israel and Austria. Big teams attract 10-20 thousand fans per home game, while smaller teams have fewer supporters. In Israel, because the country is small and football is very popular, you hear people talking about the sport everywhere. In the Azerbaijan Premier League, there usually aren’t many fans at games, except for big or very important matches. In my first season, we had a few home games with large crowds. I would love it if the Sumgayit City Stadium named after Mehdi Huseynzade was full for every game. That would definitely help the team’s performance.
– How does the football infrastructure differ across these countries?
– The goals of Azerbaijani clubs are similar to those in other countries. Wealthy clubs have high standards, while teams with smaller budgets try to meet the basic needs of a football team. In terms of quality, the pace of play is generally higher in Austria.
– What has been the most memorable game of your Sumgayit career?
– I have two unforgettable matches. One was in my first season, when we beat Qarabag 1-0 thanks to a goal I scored, which helped us fight for a place in the European competitions. My wife, kids, and closest friends from Israel were all in the stands with their families. Another was the final game of that season against Gabala. Our stadium was packed. A win would send us to the UEFA Conference League. We withstood the pressure and won. Experiencing that joy was incredible.
– In which match do you think the fans had the biggest impact on the result?
– I’d say our first game at the new stadium against Neftchi. The stands were full, and the atmosphere was festive. The fans cheered us on the entire match, and it really boosted the players' motivation. We were already leading 2-0 by halftime.
– Which away match in the Azerbaijan Premier League excites you the most?
– I feel that matches against Neftchi give the club different motivation compared to others. This year will be even more special since two important players have transferred there. Plus, our former coach Samir Abasov joined Neftchi in January, which adds to the rivalry.
– Where do you see the team finishing next season?
– It’s hard to set a specific goal. Our squad is undergoing big changes, and it’s not easy to build a strong foundation. We all know that even good players don’t always succeed in showing their abilities.
– Do you have a personal target for goals or assists?
– Personally, I don’t have any specific targets.
– Tell us about your life in Azerbaijan. Have you started learning the language?
– Not yet. I mostly know how to count and a few basic words. I use English both on and off the pitch. When I want to talk to someone who doesn’t know English, I ask my teammates for help. I believe knowing English is important not just for footballers, but for life in general.
– Do your relatives from Israel visit you?
– Yes, they visit often. My parents and my wife’s parents have been here six or seven times. My brother came from the U.S. last year, and our friends have also visited a few times. Every two or three months, we have guests.
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