The head coach of Neftchi PFC Samir Abasov expressed his views at a press conference after the first match of the 1/4 finals of the Azerbaijan Cup against Zira. Despite the defeat, the expert said the chances were equal:

"It's hard to say anything after losing," he said. It was a very good game. We have a large number of fans, large fan groups, and I ask them not to blame Salahat Agayev too much. It's not his fault, it's his fault. Although Salahat has experience, it is normal for him to make mistakes. I ask the fans to pay attention to our articles about our native team. We will correct our mistakes. "

Then the head coach answered journalists' questions: “It will be difficult for our team from now on. Because they started to prepare for the game with us in a different way. "Zira" played defensively. At some points we could not change the situation. The reason is the lack of players in that position. Monroe has not fully recovered, there is a problem with Laval, and we can not find a striker. We told Bugrin that he would not be able to breathe easily today. However, we changed the game in the second half. But wrong, what can we do if we don't have a second Bugrin ?! Chances are 50 out of 50 again. We believe in ourselves a lot. When my opponent, Richard Almeida, grabbed my leg, I shouted at the players to throw the ball away, but there was tension because the Portuguese-speaking Tallison did not understand me. We didn't create many goal episodes, but we played well. I think a draw would be a fair result. Emin Mahmudov's lip exploded, he could not breathe well, and then the stitches were thrown. Our plans were thwarted, but fortunately the pace did not slow down. We didn't let Monroe play at risk."