"Qarabagh" advanced to the final by defeating "Araz-Nakhchivan" 3:0 in the return match of the Azerbaijan Cup semi-final stage. Sport24 reports that Gurban Gurbanov, the head coach of the Aghdam representative, answered journalists' questions at the press conference held after the match:
- I congratulate my players. There was a little tension and fatigue. Nevertheless, my team remained calm until the end and hid the opponent's mistake. In the end, we were able to take advantage of this. I wish Elmar Bakhshiyev and his team success.
- What was the reason for "Qarabagh"'s unsuccessful game in the first half?
- First of all, it is necessary to evaluate the opponent's game. We were 0:1 behind in the score. The opponent defended very correctly and intelligently and was preparing for counterattacks. They had several scoring episodes in the first half. Our preparation was based on this. They put very good pressure on our players without the ball. We had a lot of ball losses in the first half. The opponent was more active. In the second half, we increased the pressure and took advantage of it. I have always said that cup matches are different from the championship. This is normal. We must always be prepared for such games.
- Which team would you like to see in the final?
- I don't have such a thought. I just know that in the final we will face an opponent who is burning for the result. Because the chance for both of them to participate in European cups will depend on that game. Any opponent will then build all their preparations against us. There is still time. I wish both teams success. I would like both of them to participate in European cups. Both clubs have invested heavily. We can show the structure of these two clubs as an example. They invest not only in the result, but also in the sustainability of success. "Neftchi" and "Sabah" also have a very good base. We also want to win the cup again. We will not have thoughts of losing in the final. I would like the number of titles of my players to increase even more.