Baku: Qarabag FK is gearing up for a significant encounter as they prepare to face Newcastle United in the playoff stage of the UEFA Champions League.
According to Azeri-Press News Agency, the match is set to take place in Baku, marking a first in the history of Azerbaijani football, as emphasized by Qarabag’s head coach, Qurban Qurbanov.
During a pre-match press conference, Qurbanov shared insights into the team’s preparation and mindset. He highlighted the importance of the match, noting the excitement and responsibility demonstrated by his players. “This is a first in the history of Azerbaijani football. And to play against a club as well-established as Newcastle,” Qurbanov stated. He praised the players for their responsible behavior and eagerness, which has boosted the team’s confidence. The coach expressed that the team is focused on delivering their best performance in the upcoming match.
Qurbanov acknowledged the challenging nature of the game, recognizing Newcastle’s unique style of play that poses challenges even for Premier League teams. He noted, “We have watched the opponent. They have a style of football that does not suit us. No team in the Premier League wants to play against them.” Despite these challenges, Qurbanov expressed determination to play a smart and courageous game, leveraging the support of their fans.
The coach also pointed out the limited time available for preparation, indicating the urgency in refining their strategies ahead of the match. The highly anticipated clash between Qarabag and Newcastle is scheduled for February 18 at 21:45, hosted at the Tofiq Bahramov Republican Stadium.