Yurii Vernydub: "I Think Everything Is Going According to Plan"

Neftçi PFK head coach Yurii Vernydub has spoken to the club's press service about the team's pre-season preparations, the new signings and the upcoming UEFA Conference League campaign.

Reflecting first on the training camp in Slovenia, the Ukrainian coach said:

"The training camp went well. The players put in a great deal of hard work and benefited from a demanding physical programme. Our match against Osijek left the strongest impression on me because it was played with both intensity and pace. It was clear that the players are gradually reaching the level we want them to be at.

"Losing the match could have had a certain psychological impact, but I don't believe that is the most important thing. What matters most is that we completed the training camp virtually injury-free. Everyone is fit and healthy. We are now returning to Baku, where the players will be given some time to rest before we begin preparations for our match on 23 July. We will find out who our opponents are on 16 July. I think everything is going according to plan."

Vernydub also shared his thoughts on the club's new arrivals:

"I like the way the new signings are adapting to the team. They have settled in well and are building a good understanding with their teammates. I believe they have strengthened the squad. At the same time, I should also mention the players who were already here. We have a solid core within the team.

"That said, I still believe we need to strengthen the squad further. There are certain positions where, if someone were to suffer an injury, we could face immediate problems. That is why we continue to work in this direction. We will do everything we can to bring in younger players who can add further quality to the team."

The Neftçi head coach also expressed confidence ahead of the club's UEFA Conference League campaign:

"I believe we are fully prepared because we had an excellent training camp. We laid the foundations for our preparations during the eight days we spent in Baku before travelling to Slovenia. We played four friendly matches, winning one and losing three. I can say that all of our opponents were strong teams.

"Partizan and CFR Cluj will both compete in the UEFA Conference League, while Osijek are traditionally among the leading clubs in the Croatian championship. They have experienced certain financial difficulties recently, which affected their last season, but it is still clear that they are a very strong side. Croatian football has always produced players of a very high standard. For that reason, I believe everything is on the right track. Most importantly, we are all returning home safe and healthy. That is what matters most to me."