"A lot depends on the first match, as it should serve as a springboard. A victory would give great hope for the second leg. The fate of such ties is usually decided based on the results of both matches. That’s why it's important to maintain possession during the game."
According to İdman.biz, AFFA Coaches Committee member Agaselim Mirjavadov said this in an interview with Teleqraf while discussing Zira’s upcoming home match against Croatian side Hajduk in the second qualifying round of the UEFA Conference League.
According to him, there is a significant difference between the Azerbaijan Premier League and European competitions: “Last season, Zira performed very well in the Premier League. Thanks to their distinct playing style, they finished the championship in second place. However, there is a big difference between European matches and the domestic league. If this team has fought hard to qualify for the Conference League, then they shouldn’t let this opportunity slip away.”
The veteran football figure believes neither team is currently in peak form: “Zira’s players and coaching staff have character. On the other hand, they’ve made good transfers for the needed positions. However, neither Zira nor Hajduk is in ideal form. They’ve just come back from break, and their leagues are on pause. The level may be even. The key factor will be player selection and the performance of the team leaders. In early rounds, leaders must be able to lead their teams. I believe Zira will pass this stage.”
Regarding Hajduk, Mirjavadov recalled that most of the Croatian club’s players play abroad, and that they prepare young talents to send them on international careers. According to him, European clubs are much stronger now than they were ten years ago: “When I look at the teams participating in the Conference League now, many of them were relatively unknown in the past. Each country now follows its own football strategy. Hajduk will try to progress, but Zira is better than them. Compared to ten years ago, most European clubs have improved significantly. You have to take advantage of scoring opportunities. In the Azerbaijani league, you might score from one out of four or five chances. But here, that’s not enough, this factor is crucial.”
The former head coach emphasized that both sides have done their analysis and highlighted that Zira is one of the teams that concedes the fewest goals: “Rashad Sadygov believes in himself and his team. Even during the Soviet era, this principle existed, the team and coaching staff must believe in each other. Right now, this plays a huge role. Belief must be strong. Belief is the goal of character, and Zira has that. They need to show the same performance in the second match. Currently, Zira is one of the teams in the Azerbaijani championship that concedes the fewest goals. Alongside defense, it’s also important to make use of the scoring chances created. This style of play needs to be developed. A victory in this match would give the team great momentum for the return leg.”
Mirjavadov refrained from evaluating the odds for today’s match: “As a Croatian club, I don’t see Hajduk as weak. The teams’ preparation, tactical approaches, and desire will play a key role. Also, the 12th player, the fans, are crucial. The stadium is a true football venue, and the atmosphere matters. At the moment, my support is with Zira. I wish them great success.”
Today's Zira vs. Hajduk match will kick off at 19:30 at the 8th km stadium ("Neftchi Arena"). The return leg will be played on July 31 at the "Poljud" stadium in Split.
Idman.biz
