“Zira” has gained some experience since last year. “Araz-Nakhchivan,” however, is new to Europe. They’ve been active during the transfer window.”
According to İdman.biz, Azerbaijani football coach Tarlan Ahmadov said this in an interview with Sportal.az.
The experienced specialist assessed the chances of “Araz-Nakhchivan” and “Zira” in the Conference League: “Zira” was somewhat stagnant in the transfer market. Raphael Utzig’s absence remains unclear to me. He was one of the key figures in the attacking line. Soumah also left. “Hajduk” is one of the major clubs in Croatia and has significant experience. This stage will not be easy for “Zira.” Still, I wish them success.
As for “Araz-Nakhchivan,” yes, there are new transfers. But how those players will perform, time will tell. We know the opponent is a well-established Greek club. This is a tough stage for “Araz-Nakhchivan.” However, nothing is impossible. Remember the 2012–2013 season when “Neftchi” reached the Europa League group stage? We played 1–1 against APOEL in Baku. The late Boyukagha Hajiyev came straight from the hospital just two days before the match. Maybe no one believed in us. Everyone said it’s Cyprus, close to Greece, the political climate, the atmosphere, it all reduced our perceived chances. But you see how fortune can change? Where there is determination and the right strategy, success is possible.
“Araz-Nakhchivan” qualified for the European competitions by finishing third. It’s also normal that they’ve made some transfers. We can no longer say that “Araz-Nakhchivan” is weaker than “Aris.” If we’ve reached this stage, it means we deserve it. Azerbaijani football has reached a point where we shouldn’t be choosing opponents. We should think about advancing to the next round. That’s the mindset we need. “Neftchi” did that in the 2012–2013 season. They made history in our 110-year football legacy. “Qarabag” has continued this trend for years. “Gabala” also joined this path. Whether we like it or not, Azerbaijani football has already crossed such stages at the club level. So we shouldn’t think, “Oh, it’s a tough opponent, or it’s geographically complicated.” The opponent has also come through the same path. It will be difficult for “Araz-Nakhchivan,” it won’t be easy. But in the end, it’s about two people meeting on the field. Whoever is more composed, better prepared, and more motivated will advance.
If “Zira” and “Araz-Nakhchivan” progress to the next round, it wouldn’t be a sensation for Tarlan Ahmadov: “Honestly, if “Zira” beats “Hajduk” and “Araz-Nakhchivan” overcomes “Aris,” it won’t be a sensation for me. Do you know what I would consider a sensation? If we beat “Chelsea,” reach the World Cup final stage, or reach the final of the Europa League or Conference League... Yes, those would count as sensations and surprise me. But at this point, if our clubs advance to the next round, it’s not a sensation. I wish all our clubs success.”
Idman.biz
