Forward of the Azerbaijani football club “Araz-Nakhchivan” Felipe Santos gave an interview to azerisport.com.
The first part of the season is over. How did it go for the team and for you personally?
I think despite the fact that we have a very good team, we have gone through difficult days. I believe that in the second part of the season everything will be better. We are working in this direction.
In the last round of the year, Araz-Nakhchivan beat Shamakhi (2:0). How did this match turn out for you?
I did not take part in this game. The victory was very important. Leaving the break with a victory is always nice. I’m glad that we managed to achieve it.
“Araz-Nakhchivan” had a successful start in European competition, expectations were high. What happened next?
Yes, the start of the European Cup campaign turned out to be very good. Many began to place high hopes on us. Perhaps it was because of these expectations that other teams treated us differently than before, because they knew that we had a strong squad. Therefore, everything turned out to be a little more complicated than we expected.
Do you think Araz-Nakhchivan will be able to qualify for European competition this season?
We have a very good team. I believe that even if we are not in a high position now and are a few points behind third place, we can win a ticket to the European Cup.
Elmar Bakhshiev left the post of head coach. What do you think about this?
I prefer not to comment on the departure of the head coach. But for me, as a football player who has been playing in Azerbaijan for five years, he is one of the three best coaches in the country. I wish him good luck.
Do you have any offers from other clubs? Or will you stay in Araz-Nakhchivan after the winter break?
I have a contract with the club. If anything arises during this period, we will resolve it.
The Benin national team, for which you went through the naturalization process, reached the playoffs of the African Cup of Nations. How do you assess her chances?
The team’s first victory was historic. I followed their matches. All the people of Benin are happy. I’m happy about this victory. Congratulations to my team on reaching the playoffs. The last match was difficult, but they achieved their goal. I am happy about this and wish them good luck in the upcoming games.
Yusif Aliyev
