Gurban Gurbanov: I don’t want to praise Roma too much

Baku. 27 September. REPORT.AZ/ “This is our first game in our capital. I think it is important for all of us. Hosting such game in Baku is important for our city, country and football. Some people probably thought Roma is not strong. But I watched the game of this squad. It is very professional team. We will do our best to achieve positive result.”

Report informs, head coach of Azerbaijan's Qarabag FC, Gurban Gurbanov told the press conference held before the match with Roma in the second round of Champion League group stage. The 45-year-old specialist responds questions of repoters at the event hosted in “Azersun Arena”:

- How does it feel to play in front of 65,000 fans?

- Pressure always exists. Though we have European experience, this is total different tournament. Stadium issue was discussed a lot. There is no necessity to touch it again. The more fans will come, the more confidently football players will play. Some defeats help us to grow. Though we have lost with 0:6 score in the first game, we are well prepared for this match. We will try to play better.

- Is that true that Michel was fined?

- Yes, he was punished 2 days before. Such things cannot be forgiven, but it happens in sport. Even it happens with myself. I perceive it normally. We should not get away from discipline we established in the club. Michel is one of the professional football players. There is a high probability that tomorrow he will appear on the field.

- How is condition of Ansi Agolli?

- Everything is positive. We will make last decision after tomorrow’s training. I have some thoughts on some positions.

- What kind of changes do you think to make in the squad?

- Changes will be made, but not considerable. Because rival is different. Moreover, we play at home.

- While watching Roma’s game in person, didn’t you notice defenseless sides?

- When I was studying Pro category at that time I went to the camp of Borussia Dortmund. I was thinking then on which level Azerbaijani football stands and where is Borussia football? I also watched Roma’s game in person. Once again I realized that this rival is top squad. I would not say that I saw a lot of their mistakes.

- You used to play against Italian clubs before. And you made comparison…

- They have different play method than Roma, Fiorentina and Inter. I don’t want to praise the rival before the match. Taking the second place in Italy explains everything.

- There will be huge pressure on your team. Considering it, do you think to give chance to young players such as Ramil Sheydayev, Mahir Madatov?

- It would be not right to deprive someone’s right. Whoever is prepared, and that one will play.