Interview with Besart Ibraimi, “Shkendija” striker and captain, for Sportal.az.
– “Shkendija” managed to defeat FCSB in both legs of the Champions League second qualifying round. How did you achieve that? The home win must have given you great confidence?
– Of course, the team was confident. We went into both matches aiming to win. The victory at home gave the team great self-belief. We played until the final whistle in the away game and won again. It was a historic victory for us.
– Your next opponent in the third qualifying round is “Qarabag”. What do you think of them? What do you know about this team?
– “Qarabag” is a very good team with a great coach. They have high-level players, and we respect them a lot. “Qarabag” is the favorite. But we are fully ready for the new challenge. We all believe that we can beat “Qarabag”. Still, I repeat, they are the favorites, we accept that. “Qarabag” made some changes to the squad this summer, but expectations from the club remain high. Everyone in Azerbaijan expects “Qarabag” to advance past “Shkendija”.
– And what do people in North Macedonia think?
– Yes, people here also trust and support our team. “Qarabag” is the favorite, but they are not unbeatable. We will go onto the field with belief and fight until the end.
– The first match is in Skopje. Do you see that as an advantage or disadvantage? After all, gaining confidence in the first match could be important…
– It may be that the first game is at our home, but I don't think it makes a big difference. We have to fight in both Skopje and Baku. So we don’t really focus on that.
– In your opinion, who is Qarabag’s most dangerous player or what is their biggest strength?
– I already said that “Qarabag” is a very good team overall. Of course, they have some excellent players. I’d especially mention Abdellah Zoubir and Kady Borges. But really, all their players are quality. We respect them.
– Interestingly, “Shkendija” has faced two Azerbaijani clubs before and advanced on both occasions. Do you remember those matches against “Neftchi” and “Sumgayit”?
– Of course, I remember the games against both “Neftchi” and “Sumgayit” well. We played well in both and advanced each time.
– You scored goals against both “Sumgayit” and “Neftchi”. Do you think you can do the same against “Qarabag”, or do they seem stronger than the others?
– What’s important is to give my best for the team. But of course, if I score, that’s a bonus. I’d be happy about that. However, the most important thing is for the team to qualify for the next round.
– If “Shkendija” manages to eliminate “Qarabag”, do you think everyone in North Macedonia will expect the team to reach the main stage of the Champions League? Will there be pressure?
– No, there’s no pressure on our side. We want to move forward step by step. We take the games one at a time and let things progress naturally.
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