"Qarabağ" players are approaching their next UEFA Champions League match with responsibility.
This was stated by the team's head coach, Gurban Gurbanov, at a press conference.
The experienced specialist shared his thoughts on the first leg of the UEFA Champions League playoff match against the English club "Newcastle" in Baku:
"We can gain great experience from this game. This is a first in the history of Azerbaijani football. Our opponent is a club with a rich history. They play in the world's number one championship. We had little time to prepare. The players are approaching tomorrow's match responsibly, they are excited. They will want to show one of their best performances. We have analyzed the opponent. We will try to fight well on our home turf and play bravely."
G. Gurbanov emphasized that they must play cautiously in the match against "Newcastle":
"The opponent's level and skill are also important. We need to work harder and look for options to create goal-scoring opportunities in the opponent's goal. There is also reality. The opponent is thinking about this too. The quality of some of their players surpasses our thoughts. We want the fans to enjoy the game."
The head coach added that they are trying to prepare the team to the maximum for tomorrow's game:
"The players' approach satisfies me. They are not preparing poorly. Fatigue may be felt during the game. I believe they will find the strength within themselves to fight. As "Qarabağ" club, we are on the right track. Competing with big teams gives us motivation and confidence. It is true that "Newcastle" is the favorite. But we want to win in Baku. We are preparing for this. We will not shy away from the opponent. We will face a disciplined team."
The specialist said that the team's starting lineup will be known tomorrow morning.
It should be noted that the match will start on February 18, at 21:45, at the Tofiq Bahramov Republican Stadium. The return leg will take place in England on the night of February 24-25, at 00:00.