Elkhan ABDULLAYEV: Karabakh is much stronger than Sabah, but in football anything can happen
December 25, 2025 11:07
Azerbaijani football specialist Elkhan Abdullayev answered questions from an azerisport.com correspondent.
Summing up the results of the first half of the season in the Misli Premier League, can we say that the last two months were more remembered for the successful performance of Sabah?
There was no such strong surprise on my part, since Sabah is already a strong and well-equipped team. There is a good trainer and conditions for fruitful work. There are all conditions for a good result.
I don’t remember that they played so confidently until the last rounds, dominating the field. A clear example of this was their penultimate match with Qarabag, when, even leading 2:1, they stubbornly went forward in the last minutes.
This is their style of play. I like their attacking and open football. It’s not surprising that not everything worked out at the beginning of the season. In the summer, new players arrived, the same Valdas Dambrauskas just took over the team. Now the team is already on the move. I think after the winter they should add more.
So, the victory over Qarabag didn’t surprise you?
I wasn’t surprised at all. I repeat, this is a good and strong team that knows how to set the tone in the game. Sometimes they are superior to their opponents in some components. This is not their first victory over Qarabag in recent years.
Baku residents became “winter champions”. The club modestly speaks about its chances for the final championship, but what do you think?
If we take it realistically, of course, it will be difficult for them. “Winter Championship” is an informal status; globally, a lot will depend on the people of Agdam. Their composition is even stronger. Qarabag spent most of its energy in the first half of the season on the Champions League. When it ends, naturally, all efforts will go to the Premier League. I’ll be honest, Qarabag is much stronger than Sabah, but anything can happen in football.
Sabah more or less consistently scores points against other teams. Can we say that the upcoming two games with Qarabag in the second and third rounds will be decisive?
I don’t think so. This season is very unpredictable. In any game you can lose points. They can beat the Agdam team twice, but lose points in matches with Imishli or Karvan-Yevlakh. Therefore, any game can be decisive.
Recently, Neftchi was headed by Ukrainian specialist Yuriy Vernidub. Will he achieve success with Neftchi?
It is very difficult to make predictions about the coaches at Neftchi. There they have changed frequently in recent years. I would like to wish Vernidub good luck. Experienced specialist. He will now have, albeit a short time, time to prepare the team. To be honest, he wasn’t the one who put the team together. “Neftchi” is not in its place now. I think they will improve in the second half of the season. The potential allows you to fight for high places. It’s just not fully revealed. One or two transfers will further strengthen the team.
Ruslan Mikayily
