Baku: Qarabag’s head coach, Gurban Gurbanov, expressed confidence in his team’s preparation and potential performance ahead of their UEFA Champions League match against Chelsea. He addressed the media at a pre-match press conference, emphasizing the significance of the game and the motivation derived from hosting a club with such a storied history. Gurbanov reassured fans of his trust in the players and anticipated that the match would be an enjoyable experience for all spectators.

According to Azeri-Press News Agency, Gurbanov discussed Chelsea’s decision not to train in Baku and their absence of key players. He remarked that such scenarios are common for top-tier teams and should not be seen as an advantage for Qarabag. Gurbanov stressed the importance of adapting to Chelsea’s gameplay rather than focusing on individual player absences, noting the depth and ambition of the opposing club.

The head coach highlighted the motivational boost games against elite clubs provide, acknowledging Qarabag’s lack of victories against English teams. Despite this, he encouraged his team to remain resilient and confident, recognizing the English Premier League’s superior level. Gurbanov reiterated the value of these matches regardless of the outcome, suggesting that even in defeat, valuable lessons are learned.

Gurbanov also outlined his tactical approach for the upcoming match, acknowledging Chelsea’s recent squad rotations between the Champions League and Premier League. He indicated that Qarabag would adapt their strategy based on Chelsea’s lineup, focusing on executing their own game plan effectively. The coach emphasized the importance of player enjoyment and announced that the final lineup decisions would be made following the morning’s training session.

Additionally, Gurbanov revealed that the club is exploring options to strengthen their squad, particularly in the striker position, as they continuously seek to enhance their team’s competitiveness.