Veteran Qarabag player Tabriz Hasanov gave an interview to Sportal.az.
– Qarabag secured a dominant 3-0 win over Shelbourne in the first leg, gaining a significant advantage ahead of the return match. How would you assess Qarabag’s performance in the first game?
– Qarabag essentially resolved 90 percent of the tie in the first match. Winning 3-0 away from home with a big advantage is no small feat. Qarabag was clearly superior in terms of quality and stood out from their opponent. They made a good impression. However, it's still too early to evaluate their overall performance with regard to qualifying for the main stage of the Champions League. Most likely, the next opponent will be FCSB. We can start talking about Qarabag’s form this season after that match.
– How would you rate Qarabag’s new signings? Did any player stand out to you?
– Yes, we saw the new signings. I can’t say that any of them particularly stood out. That’s quite normal. New players need time to adapt, especially in a team like Qarabag that has a well-established playing style. It takes time to settle in. I believe they’ll show their qualities more clearly in the upcoming matches. If the Qarabag management and coaching staff have chosen these players, I’m confident they’ll soon secure their place in the starting lineup and contribute positively to the team.
– Surely Qarabag won’t throw away their qualification chances in the second leg? Do you expect the Azerbaijani champions to win again?
– I don’t believe a team like Qarabag, having won 3-0 away, will let that advantage slip. At this point, Shelbourne isn’t capable of producing extraordinary football against Qarabag. I think Qarabag will win comfortably again and advance to the next round.
– Do you think Qarabag still needs to make transfers? Is there a lack of strikers?
– Yes, Qarabag definitely needs reinforcements. I remember all 8 of their matches in the Europa League last season. We had high expectations, but they didn’t quite meet them. The coaching staff surely knows this well. Whether it’s the Champions League, Europa League, or the Conference League, Qarabag needs to strengthen further to reach the main stage. It’s a long campaign, with possible injuries and fatigue. The number of teams in the Azerbaijan league has also increased, and the schedule will be more demanding. Considering all this, of course more signings are needed. The team especially needs a high-quality striker. As the competition gets tougher in later rounds, a good striker becomes essential.
– Has this season’s Qarabag inspired confidence that they can reach the Champions League group stage? Do you think this version of Qarabag looks stronger than in previous years?
– Yes, Qarabag wants to reach the group stage of the Champions League, and they’re ambitious. They have a great opportunity this year. Qarabag needs to play even better in Europe this season, make further progress, and pass through the rounds. It’s true that FCSB lost their first match to Shkendija, but they’ll probably be Qarabag’s opponent. I believe Qarabag can beat FCSB this season. Even though the Romanian side is being praised and said to have strengthened, I think Qarabag can overcome them, especially if they reinforce the attack. Let’s hope so, and I wish Qarabag the best of luck.
Idman.biz
