Interview with Azerbaijani national team and Bulgarian club Arda player Jalal Huseynov, published on Teleqraf.
– You advanced to the next round in the UEFA Conference League. What are your impressions?
– As an Azerbaijani footballer, it’s a great feeling to advance in European competitions with a club from another country. HJK is a very experienced team. They regularly play in European tournaments and have high-level players, they’re already used to this level. But we showed even in the first match that we could beat them. We were close to winning in the goalless home match too. We went to the away leg determined to win, no matter what.
– The game went to penalties. Were you physically and mentally prepared for that in advance?
– At first, we took the lead. Then the opponent turned the score in their favor. Despite that, we equalized with our attacks. We could have finished the game in regular time, but it didn’t work out. Both sides wanted to advance during extra time. In the end, our team executed the penalty shootout more precisely. I’m very happy. I want to say thank you to all my teammates.
– You played all 120 minutes. How do you assess your performance?
– This is my second season at Arda. I was also a regular starter in my first year. At the beginning, I started 10 matches, but later I stopped playing. During the winter break, I went on loan to Shamakhi for 6 months. Since returning, I’ve been playing in both the league and European matches. You could say I’m in good form. As a main squad member, I feel more confident with each game. I believe it will continue like this.
– But why weren’t you selected to take a penalty in the shootout, which Arda won 4–3?
– While I was on loan at Shamakhi, Arda had a playoff match for a European spot, and the coach gave penalty chances again to those who were successful back then. I even approached Aleksandar Tunchev and told him I felt ready. I enjoy taking penalties and know how to execute them well. But it was his decision. The important thing is that the team won and advanced. It doesn’t matter who took the kicks.
– How did the head coach explain his decision?
– He had his own ideas. He only had some doubts about the 1st, 3rd, and 5th kicks. I approached and said I wanted to take one. But he chose someone else. No problem.
– In the next round, Arda will face Lithuania’s Kauno Zalgiris. Do you believe you can beat them and reach the playoffs?
– First, we have a league match away to Botev. We need to strengthen our position in the league too. We currently have one loss and one draw. For now, our focus is on the league. After that game, we’ll start thinking about Kauno Zalgiris.
– Former Neftchi player Andre Shinyashiki is your teammate. Did you know each other in Azerbaijan, and did he ask you anything?
– We hadn’t met before. He joined the team during the winter, the same time I returned. We became close as teammates. Occasionally, we talk about Azerbaijan.
– After leaving Azerbaijan, did you receive any offers?
– Yes, a few clubs made offers. I can't name them. But I wasn’t planning to return. I intended to continue with Arda in Bulgaria.
– Did you receive offers from other countries?
– Honestly, no. But the transfer window is still open. If a good offer comes, I’ll consider it. I’d like to play for a higher-level club. That’s what I’m working toward anyway.
– Azerbaijani players often face language barriers abroad. You speak English. Did you face any difficulties adapting in Bulgaria?
– No, not at all. I also speak Bulgarian. Everything is easy. I learned the language shortly after arriving. After about six months, I could already speak Bulgarian.
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