Last season’s Azerbaijan Second Division champions, Shahdag Gusar, are facing serious uncertainty despite earning promotion to the First League. The club’s main sponsor has refused to provide financial support for the team in the higher division, prompting club director Elchin Jananov to submit his resignation. Reports indicate that only six employees remain at the club.
Veteran Azerbaijani national team player and club captain Rahid Amirguliyev responded to Teleqraf’s questions regarding the situation.
– What is happening at Shahdag Gusar right now?
– There’s no word from the management or anywhere else. Players are leaving when they receive offers. There’s no news from Shahdag Gusar at all.
– It’s said that only six employees remain at the club…
– We still have contracts, so we’re staying. But no one is informing us whether the club will continue or not. We don’t know if the sponsor will stay on. No one is giving us clear information.
– Have you spoken with head coach Elnur Abdullayev?
– I speak with the head coach every day. The main issue is the silence from the sponsor. Like everyone else, Abdullayev’s contract has expired. If he receives an offer, I’m sure he’ll consider it.
– According to reports, the sponsor told the club, “Go play with the funds allocated by AFFA,” and the director Elchin Jananov resigned in disagreement.
– That’s true, I know he submitted his resignation. But it still needs to be officially confirmed.
– You won the championship and got promoted. Why would the sponsor withdraw support when more is needed?
– We don’t know the reason. We’ve met with management several times to ask what will happen, but all they’ve said is, “You’ll be informed.” But we haven’t heard anything. They’re not telling us clearly whether we should look for other work or expect the team to continue.
– Why would the sponsor suddenly say, “Go play with AFFA’s money”?
– I don’t know. They haven’t said that to me personally.
– Is it possible that a new sponsor could come in and form their own team?
– Anything is possible. The team is currently under the ownership of the “Azenco” company. I don’t know if they’ll sell it or just hand it over to someone else.
– The Gusar stadium was transferred to the Ministry of Youth and Sports. Could the team also be handed over to another party?
– Anything is possible. I can’t say. The team belongs to them, and they’ll act as they see fit.
– What are your personal plans in the current situation? Will you stay?
– Of course, I’d love for Shahdag Gusar to play in the Premier League. As someone from Gusar, I’d want to be there too. If not, I’ll have to think of something else. Honestly, I don’t know yet.
– Have any clubs or coaches expressed interest in having Rahid Amirguliyev on their team?
– Yes, there is interest. But I haven’t sat down to talk with anyone yet.
– If this situation continues, will you consider those offers or not play for any club at all?
– If Shahdag Gusar doesn’t continue, I’ll consider other offers. There are invitations from First and Second League clubs.
– Given how things are going, have you thought about ending your career?
– I had already retired. I ended my career on a high note. Then they convinced me to return and help Shahdag Gusar” – and now this. Maybe I’ll officially end my career for good now.
– Newly promoted Premier League clubs Karvan and Imishli are bringing in experienced players. Do you feel fit enough to play for one of them?
– No, I don’t think I can handle the Premier League physically anymore.
– Has any club offered you a “farewell match”?
– No, nothing like that has happened.
– Do you have any expectations?
– No, I don’t expect that from anyone.
– You previously worked as a youth coach at Sabail academy. After their relegation to the First League, the academy shut down. Will you continue in the Premier League or as a youth coach?
– Yes, I was working as a coach. If I completely step away from playing football, I’ll likely focus entirely on coaching. I already started as a youth coach. What comes next, I don’t know.
Idman.biz
