“We expect Qarabag to reach the Champions League group stage.”
Idman.biz reports that these words were said by Agaselim Mirjavadov to Sport24.az.
The experienced specialist shared his thoughts ahead of Qarabag’s UEFA Champions League play-off first-leg match today against Hungary’s Ferencvaros: “Qarabag plays very intelligent football in Europe. There was a lot of criticism because they didn’t sign a striker. But currently, the local players are performing well. Their play makes them worthy of the Champions League group stage. We are used to foreign forwards, but I don’t think that’s necessary. A local striker can also do the job. I can cite examples like Nariman Akhundzada and Musa Gurbanly. A smart coach considers both his club and the national team. Qarabag has had many foreign forwards, the best was Juninho, who left after receiving a good offer. Qarabag plays as a team. This year, without a foreign striker, they’ve come this far. We shouldn’t forget that Qarabag has won all their matches so far.”
Mirjavadov cited Barcelona as an example: “During good periods, their forwards didn’t do much, sometimes they played with six midfielders. To compete in Europe, you need two squads and alternative players. Qarabag is doing that. Today, the team must play calmly and intelligently, showing their own style. They shouldn’t sit back in defense, that’s not their style. I believe we will reach the Champions League group stage. We must support the team. They play very attractive football, but we also need to protect the local players.”
The Qarabag – Ferencvaros match will start today at 20:45. In the first leg in Hungary, the Agdam team won 3:1.
Idman.biz
