“Qarabağ” is playing in the main stage of European cups for the 12th consecutive season. The club's head coach, Gurban Gurbanov, gave an interview to “Kicker” (Germany) magazine, one of the world's most famous sports publications.
Modern.az website presents that interview:
- Mr. Gurbanov, you once gained experience alongside German coaches. What have you adopted from German football culture?
- In August 2010, during the Europa League play-off matches, we established good relations with "Borussia Dortmund" and as a result, I later had the opportunity to gain experience there alongside Jürgen Klopp. Observing his training process for several days and discussing the professional aspects of coaching with him was an invaluable experience for me. I take this opportunity to convey my greetings to him through "Kicker" magazine and express my deep gratitude for providing me with this extraordinary chance, which made a significant contribution to my professional development.
- Which aspects of German football are particularly interesting to you?
- German football has always been characterized by strict internal discipline and highly concentrated preparation for every match. These are factors that drive the development of European football. The main strength, however, is the mentality instilled from youth football, which prioritizes simple play, speed, and collective order. This "iron discipline" ensures that German footballers take responsibility and remain focused until the final whistle, regardless of the opponent or the score. Incorporating these principles of simplicity and resilience into my coaching philosophy has had a very positive impact on my career.
- Have you ever received an offer from German clubs as a player or coach?
- As far as I recall, in 1997 – when I was a player – I was recommended to the famous German coach Bernd Stange, but nothing came of it.
- If “Qarabağ” were to play in the Bundesliga, what position would it finish in?
- Playing against German teams throughout an entire season is difficult and completely different from facing them once or twice in European cups. I believe we could compete, meaning we wouldn't be outsiders, but it wouldn't be easy to break into the top 10.
- In 2010, “Qarabağ” lost 0:4 to “Borussia Dortmund,” but in 2024, it achieved a 2:2 draw against "Bayer Leverkusen." What has changed during this period?
- At that time, it was our first few years in European cups, while "Borussia" was experiencing one of its strongest periods – they later became German champions. Klopp had formed a very interesting team that played at high speed.
Against "Bayer," we were already more experienced, but we lost 1:5 to them in the group stage, and the quality difference was clear. However, when we faced them again, we analyzed the opponent better, corrected our mistakes, and became more self-confident and attentive. Although we couldn't win again, these matches provided us with great experience and confidence in our own strength.
- Now you will play against "Eintracht Frankfurt." What are your expectations?
- We realize that they are superior to us in all aspects. Currently, our main goal is for all players to be healthy so that we have more options for squad rotations. We also want to take advantage of playing in Baku as much as possible. After our victories in European cups, opponents now take us more seriously. I am confident that "Eintracht" will prepare very seriously against us. Points are important for both teams in this encounter, and we will fight until the end to showcase an entertaining game for our fans.
- Do you remember the matches you played against "Eintracht" in 2013?
- We lost 0:2 in Baku. In Frankfurt, our equalizer caused excitement among the opposing fans. Although we ultimately lost 1:2, we created difficult moments for them with the goal-scoring opportunities we generated.
- Your team is in 22nd place with seven points. How do you assess your chances of advancing to the play-off stage?
- Realistically, we could secure our place among the top 24 teams with a victory in one of the remaining two matches. However, this depends not only on our performance but also on the results of our opponents. Therefore, even a single point in each of the remaining games could be decisive for us.
- "Qarabağ" has qualified for the group or league stage of European cups for the 12th consecutive season. What is the secret to this success?
- At the foundation of all our successes lies the profound meaning carried by the name "Qarabağ" and the great responsibility felt by everyone, from the club management to the players. This prevents us from becoming complacent after any achievement. On the contrary, the expectations of our fans and everyone, in general, drive us further each year. In honor of this name, we have always approached our work with utmost seriousness and strived to be more professional in every sense. We achieve this through our tireless activity during long working days and our great dedication.
- "Qarabağ" is also called "the Barcelona of the Caucasus" due to its football philosophy. Do you agree with this?
- Naturally, we highly appreciate this nickname. "Barcelona's" philosophy and the implementation of this playing system are the pinnacle of world football and a valuable methodological resource for many clubs. We do not simply copy "Barcelona," because attempting to apply such a system with players of a different mentality and quality could lead to failure. Nevertheless, I prefer a playing style based on ball possession. To ensure victory with effective attacking, our players must have excellent ball control. Our main goal is to build our own game and implement our philosophy by keeping the ball in our possession for as long as possible.
- Many clubs increase their budgets by selling players. "Qarabağ," however, acts more cautiously in this regard. What is the reason for this?
- Due to the current level of our championship and fan interest, we can only attract approximately 10 percent of the players we desire to our squad. Many prefer to go to leagues that promise a more direct path to top European clubs. Previously, we mainly attracted free agents to the team, but now we also pay transfer fees for good players. We expect the same professionalism in offers for our talented players. Our players' successful performances, for example, in the Champions League, often attract managers who make empty promises, which creates unrest in the team and hinders our work. Since we invest an incredible amount of time and effort into our players' development and their assimilation of our playing style, we do not want them to leave us for less than their worth. However, to grow as a club and be more successful, systematic participation in transfer dealings is inevitable.
- Recently, you have mainly been transferring players from the Portuguese second league. Is there a specific strategy behind this?
- The players there fit our budget, and the transfers we've made from that league have also proven successful. Since this league serves as a gateway for South American talents, we have focused our attention on that market, and it yields effective results. However, our searches are not limited to this region – we monitor championships and footballers in various countries.
- Your team also includes Fabian Buntić, a German goalkeeper of Croatian origin who once played for "Ingolstadt." Why can't he establish himself as the main goalkeeper?
- Competition for the goalkeeper position is greater because there is only one spot for this position in the team. However, I am very satisfied with Fabian's professionalism and exemplary character. The fact that he has not yet had the opportunity to play in the Champions League should not imply my dissatisfaction with him. He is a very hardworking player, and I am confident that he will have many more chances to help the team in the future.
- They say about you that you arrive at the training base earlier than everyone else in the morning and leave later than everyone else in the evening. Doesn't this work schedule tire you out?
- I have been in football for 40 years now, and I came to this sport out of love. If a person loves their work, there can be no talk of boredom or burnout. Of course, there are ups and downs during the season, physical fatigue, or poor team performance – but this is inherent in the nature of football. History shows that even the biggest clubs cannot constantly stay at the top. The main thing is to maintain stability and success within the framework you have set for yourself. I truly love this job, and the moment I feel bored, I will leave football.
- You always appear very composed. Why do you rarely show your emotions during matches?
- This is primarily related to my character. I convey all my instructions, feelings, and thoughts to the players in the changing room before the game or during training. If the team is fully prepared and everyone knows exactly what to do on the field, I see no need for excessive intervention or artificial display of emotion from the sidelines. Depending on the course of the game, of course, there are moments when I cannot control my emotions. But overall, I try to remain composed.
- During your time as a player, you frequently changed clubs. But as a coach, it's different: you've been with "Qarabağ" since 2008. Can you imagine working for another team, perhaps in another country?
- Due to the professional system we have built at "Qarabağ" and the moral responsibility that this name carries, to be honest, I have never thought about another team. When I was a player, I had dreams of playing for big clubs. However, since the day I was appointed coach here, I have dedicated all my attention and energy solely to this team. The constant responsibility I feel, both in the national championship and on the European stage, has bound me so closely to this club that I cannot imagine myself anywhere else.
Interviewed by: RASIM MOVSUMOV
