Tahir Gozel: “We are doing our best and working very actively”

Our club president Tahir Gozel answered journalists’ questions ahead of tomorrow’s first UEFA Champions League play-off match against Newcastle United. He first shared his thoughts on Qarabağ’s progress to this stage:

“First of all, we need to realize how far we have come. There are 850 teams playing in Europe’s top leagues, many of which have budgets far higher than ours. Even second-division clubs from leading European football nations have bigger budgets than us. We are practically in the top 25 out of 2,000–2,500 clubs. This is truly a miracle. We have progressed this far with a budget perhaps ten times lower than theirs. This should give all of us immense pride and confidence.”

Tahir Gozel expressed confidence that the team will bring joy to fans despite a tight schedule:

“Our team has had a very tight schedule recently. Playing in Shamakhi, on artificial pitches, in Quba on clay, with physically demanding matches, has caused fatigue among our players. Yet, I see that motivation in Qarabağ is at the highest level. Our club, our staff, and players understand the importance of tomorrow’s match. I am confident that the players will find a divine strength in their hearts and bodies. That moment will come. Just like in the match against Eintracht, after the 65th minute we dictated the game and won. I expect the same tomorrow.”

The president also highlighted the budget difference between the clubs:

“Newcastle is one of the richest clubs in England, with a budget of £700–750 million—about one billion dollars. They are a club 50 times bigger than us. But they will face a confident, attacking, and brave Qarabağ, as always. I don’t know the result, and no one can predict it. My main wish is for our people to applaud us and for the game to be of high quality, with dominant football. This is my request and expectation from our players. Of course, we have reached this stage thanks to the brilliance and hard work of our magnificent head coach Qurban Qurbanov, our technical staff, coach Elchin Rahmanov, our players’ efforts, the incredible support of our people, and the backing of the President.”

Tahir Gozel acknowledged the role of Azersun Holding in the club’s development:

“With a good result tomorrow, we want to make happy all those at Azersun Holding, who stood by us during the toughest times. Thousands of employees there should feel proud of the role they played in creating such a club. Azersun Holding has always been like a sun for us. When our budget was insufficient or we requested double the amount, they never said no. I thank the management and staff of Azersun Holding, and everyone involved. I tell our people that tomorrow we should all be with Qarabağ, united as one, and may we have the chance to make our nation proud.”

The club president also spoke about the club’s budget plans:

“Of course, Qarabağ’s budget will increase next season. We will plan based on today’s earnings for the next 2–3 years and increase the budget to improve the quality of our games. We are in constant contact with Qurban Qurbanov and fully support him. We are searching for players for all positions, not only attack. Qarabağ is active in the football market, and we are doing our best.”

Tahir Gozel emphasized the importance of winning the home leg:

“My wish is that we win the home game at Tofiq Bəhramov Republican Stadium. If we finish this match with our fans and a winning spirit, I believe we will achieve a positive result in the away leg.”

He also commented on increased competition in the Premier League:

“If Qarabağ’s goal is success in Europe, there will inevitably be some sacrifices. This is a fact we must accept. Playing in both international and domestic competitions is physically demanding for our players. Matches occur every 2–3 days. It has an effect. Moreover, local clubs are developing remarkably. Sabah is a miracle—they’ve built a fantastic team. Very strong and tough opponents. The same applies to Neftçi. The overall quality of Azerbaijani football is rising. Yet, seeing the condition of Quba Stadium during the match against İmişli is a bit disappointing. We all must understand that infrastructure is essential to develop football.”

Tahir Gozel revealed the club’s infrastructure plans:

“In the next three years, we plan to bring in good players. But our main goal over the next 3–4 years is to have serious infrastructure. We need substantial, fitting infrastructure. Every club in the championship should strive for this.”

He also touched on European competitions next season:

“One must do everything possible. We will do our best. The rest depends on luck. You can be sure that motivation in the club is at the highest level. Qarabağ is a wonderful, pure, and sacred family. We are a fighting team with a warrior spirit. If fate allows, next season we will compete in the Champions League; if not, in the Conference League. Perhaps it is for the best. If we end up in the Conference League, we will go all the way.”