OMM Newsroom
Former Qarabag goalkeeper Mateusz Kochalski has discussed his departure from the Azerbaijan Premier League and the Aghdam club. The 26-year-old Polish player told Polish media that he considers his country’s league stronger.
“I don’t want to speak negatively about the Azerbaijani league, but I still think the Ekstraklasa is stronger,” Kochalski said. In an earlier interview with Goal, he said that every aspect of the Polish league was better than in Azerbaijan.
The goalkeeper said Qarabag’s signing of Bosnia and Herzegovina international Martin Zlomislic put his place in the starting lineup at risk. Kochalski said the club initially demanded 2.5 million euros for his transfer, but the parties later reached an agreement. He turned down Qarabag’s offer of a new contract with a higher salary. Transfermarkt reported that the move was completed for 500,000 euros.
The Polish player said his wish to be closer to his family also influenced his decision to return home. Kochalski said his fiancée could visit Azerbaijan only for short periods because of her studies, and described his Champions League victories with Qarabag as unforgettable moments in his career.
Kochalski joined Qarabag in 2024 and left in the summer of 2026 to move to Poland’s Wieczysta Krakow.
Context
On October 15, Kochalski told Goal in an interview that Poland’s Ekstraklasa was superior to the Azerbaijan Premier League.
