An interview with Zaur Akhundov, President of the Nakhchivan Football Federation and de facto head of "Araz-Nakhchivan," for Teleqraf
– What are your thoughts on the match?
– We still haven’t fully recovered. It was a tough game. Of course, nothing is decided yet. The fate of the tie will be settled in the return match. On the other hand, we are happy that our team won its first-ever European club competition game in its history. Naturally, these competitions consist of two matches. We will prepare for the second leg.
– Were you disappointed when your team was trailing 0-1?
– No, even then I believed we wouldn’t lose this game. The team was well prepared for the match. Aris is a strong opponent. Among the Azerbaijani teams representing the country in Europe, we drew the toughest rival. Nevertheless, the players showed character. We were close to scoring a third goal and even missed two clear chances. But that’s football.
– After the game, the opposing coach spoke confidently at the press conference, saying, “My team will play completely differently at home”…
– Of course, he has to say that. Every coach motivates their team before the second game. It will be a tough match for us away.
– Knowing the result, were you satisfied with the game itself?
– It was the season’s first official match, and there were mistakes in the team. The coaching staff will work on those. However, we had just returned from a training camp, and there was very little rest. Almost 70% of the team has changed. Despite that, the work of the coaching staff was evident on the field.
– Are the new players proving themselves? Did you like them?
– Of course, I liked them. But I don’t like to give time; that phrase isn’t in my vocabulary. I think within a month the players have adapted more and will show good football.
– Igor Ribeiro has transferred to Neftchi. If you advance to the next round, will he stay with your team?
– Of course, he is already a Neftchi player. Let’s not discuss that in advance. Ribeiro is a very important player. But first, we are waiting for the return match against Aris. If we win and advance, then naturally we will request Neftchi.
– It’s already clear that Araz-Nakhchivan has prepared very well for the next season and strengthened with good transfers. Can we already think of competing for the championship?
– No, it’s too early to say. The number of teams has increased, and there will be a 12-team championship. It seems other teams have strengthened as well. There are also unseen aspects of elite clubs. The championship will show that. But our main focus is the return game against Aris.
Idman.biz
