OMM Newsroom
Ramin Musayev said this season’s championship has featured interesting matches and growing competition. The former president of the Professional Football League said that Qarabag had previously been the main contender for the title, while Sabah had challenged for it over the past two seasons.
Musayev welcomed the stronger competition and singled out regional club Turan Tovuz. In his view, the continued dominance of capital-based clubs had worn fans down. He believes Turan Tovuz will qualify for European competitions. Musayev also said that Shamakhi and Kapaz have been playing attractive football, while Gabala’s situation is a concern. The former official said winter transfers could help Gabala.
Musayev questioned whether league leaders Neftchi can hold on to their position through the end of the season and said he does not believe Sabah will allow them to do so. He praised Valdas Dambrauskas’ team for playing its own game in the Champions League without being intimidated by its opponents, adding that he had not expected the coach to be such a strong specialist.
Musayev attributed Qarabag’s relatively weak performances this season to changes in the squad. He said new signings need time to adapt to the team and to one another, but added that he does not believe Qarabag will miss out on European competitions. After the first half of the season, Neftchi lead the standings with 24 points. Sabah and Turan Tovuz share second and third place on 21 points, while Qarabag are fourth with 19.
