Yuri Vernydub: "I Hope Neftçi Become Azerbaijan Champions in Our 90th Anniversary Year"

Ahead of Neftçi’s UEFA Conference League second qualifying round first-leg match against Dinamo Minsk, which will take place at Palms Sports Arena on 22 July at 20:00, Head Coach Yuri Vernydub and club captain Emin Mahmudov spoke to the media at the pre-match press conference.

Mahmudov was first to address the journalists:

“We have prepared well. We need to produce a good performance and win the match. The club’s 90th anniversary gives us huge motivation. It is a very important season for Neftçi. We respect Dinamo Minsk. They are a good team with a young squad. Our supporters created an incredible atmosphere and gave us tremendous backing. They stood by us throughout the entire season, and I would like to thank them sincerely. We must do everything we can to give them even more reasons to celebrate. Around 70 per cent of our squad has remained unchanged, which will make us more consistent. We have also strengthened the team and will become even better.”

Vernydub then shared his thoughts:

“I hope Neftçi become Azerbaijan champions in our 90th anniversary year because this club deserves it and holds a special place in the country's football history. We also aim to qualify for the league phase of the UEFA Conference League. As a coach, I have never managed at this stage of the competition, so it would be a fantastic experience for me. We will do everything we can to deliver a strong performance. Our opponents are the champions of their country and, unlike us, they are in the middle of their domestic season, which gives them an advantage. Our immediate focus is on overcoming Dinamo before thinking about any future opponents.”

You can watch the full press conference in the video below.