The Russian goalkeeper of “Karabakh” Andrey Lunyev gave an interview to the Russian media – “Championat.com” website.
Publika.az reports that he talked about the meetings with Braga, his former team and the opponent of the Agdam representative in the European League, Bayer. At the same time, he touched on the points related to his career in Azerbaijan. Here is a summary of the interview:
– Have you ever seen a thriller like the one with “Braga”?
– No. I played twice in the Europa League, but in extra time in the qualifiers. This is the first time in my career that such a development has happened.
– Was your player kicked off the field by the Bulgarian referee?
– To be honest, I didn’t see the first violation, but the second one was “yellow”.
– Was the atmosphere of the stadium on fire in Baku?
– There was a great atmosphere, full stadium, good support. Maybe that’s why we managed to get extra parts and score twice. It’s thanks to the fans.
– You scored in the 120th+2nd minute. How did that happen?
– Fantastic! Thanks to the smart and fast game of our captain (ed – Badavi Huseynov), who is an experienced defender. He saw a player in an empty position. The young man (ed. Nariman Akhundzade) who did not convert 100% chances into a goal in the first match brought us a ticket to the next round.
– Did you believe it was possible even when there were 10 people in 0:2 and 1:3?
– Of course! Losing one player and conceding two goals was unpleasant. But I still believed. During the course of the two matches, we were stronger both in terms of episodes and games. I think that “Qarabag” deserved to advance to the 1/8 finals.
– What was happening in your dressing room?
– Positive emotions, joy, festive atmosphere. Many people came in. But personally, I was physically and emotionally a mess. I was very tired. Therefore, I was more restrained in my emotions.
– Can you ask for a double bonus after such games?
– Here the situation with bonuses, especially double bonuses, is a little different. Nothing has happened yet (laughs).
– Was there noise in Baku after the match?
– I think, yes. I didn’t see it because I didn’t go out. As it was late, I immediately went home. But some videos drew my attention to what happened near the metro, near the stadium. The fans were happy. They deserved it.
– Isn’t that the reason for your visit to “Karabakh”?
– First of all, of course, this was the main reason.
– According to statistics, you have made more saves than anyone else in European Cups. Is every match a lot of work?
– It cannot be said that there is a lot of work. Some games have more, some have less. For example, with “Braga”, there were no moments that we had to save. There were goals conceded and I couldn’t help it. Those stats are nice to me, but I don’t really care about them. I try to do my job. Team results are more important.
– Is it difficult to switch from the domestic league to Europe and back?
– On the contrary, it is easy. Because these are long awaited games. Football atmosphere, full stadium, quality of football is completely different. You are looking forward to all this.
– “Qarabag” attacks in the Azerbaijan championship, and defends in Europe?
– I wouldn’t say that we defend more in European competitions. The return match against “Braga” was just a coincidence. Because there was a red card. Before that, we created many scoring opportunities. It is clear that the competitors in Europe are at a different level than in the championship. There is pressure, the fans – all this leaves its mark on the game. Of course, there is a difference, but we try to play our football both in the championship and in the European Cups. Globally, our game is no different.
– How did you welcome the results of the 1/8 final draw? “Bayer” seems to be following you…
– On the one hand, it’s nice to play with them again. On the other hand, it would have been better if it happened at another stage. There are some advantages in the sense that we have played two games with them, they are a team we know. We have an understanding of how they play, how we can play against them, what their strengths and weaknesses are. There are also negative aspects. This is football. You can and should play with any opponent.
– The meeting with “Bayer” in November was disappointing for you. You were substituted in the 85th minute and “Qarabag” missed the draw…
– That’s how it happened. It was a difficult episode. In the struggle with the defender, the attacker fell towards me at full speed. There was a violent clash of bones. Thank God there were no serious complications. I have already played the next European Cup game. I was also lucky that there was a break for the national teams. Therefore, there was time to recover.
– Are you in touch with your former teammates at Bayer?
– He was with the goalkeepers. Now we communicate less. There are people who work in the club, I keep in touch with them.
– Didn’t you joke among yourselves that you often play with them?
– We called the goalkeeper coaches. Just 1 month ago, Gurban Gurbanov went there for an internship. “There are spies,” you might say (laughs heartily).
– In general, are you satisfied with the way things are going in Baku?
– Complaining is a sin.
– Have you adapted to the new place?
– Yes, more or less. The child goes to kindergarten, my wife has everything. There is an apartment, there is food. Everything is OK.
– Have you visited the famous street where the movie “Brilliant Hand” was shot?
– Yes, we have been to Inner City. Unfortunately, we came here in August. The weather changed: sometimes hot, sometimes cold. Now it’s winter and there’s not much time to go outside. It will be hot later. We will walk a lot.
– Is “Qarabag” the Azerbaijani version of “Zenit”?
– In part, you can probably say so. Although there are many unique moments.
– How are you going from Baku to Moscow now?
– No problem. There are direct flights from Baku.
– When was the last time you went home?
– I went to Moscow for my friend’s wedding in the summer. I spend more time in St. Petersburg.
Awe
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