Gabala”s head coach Roman Grigorchuk and midfielder Asif Mammadov talked at the post-match press conference ahead of the home leg within the Group C of the UEFA EL against Mainz 05 (Germany) fixed to Thursday, 29 September. The Ukrainian skipper says:

“Theo Weeks and Nika Kvekveskiri will miss this game. Petar Franjic will come on for their position.

We are quite ready to the match but beyond these two lacks. We will try and drive benefits from the tie by believing in ourselves. Rafael Santos is a vital player for Gabala as he came on some many very serious matches before.

Our player have to show their full strength if we are to stand for a good result.

Following the opponent side, Mainz are really a strong team. I don”t think they are going to play for experiments and I believe they will field their best staff.

I think UEFA EL doesn”t seem as a low-interest campaign to higher league teams. Just cast your mind back to the back-to-back games against Borussia Dortmund.

Mainz have built up by strong and quick footballers. They can find spaces on the pitch even while setting up long range crosses. They also keep struggling up to the final whistle.

Just don”t think that we prefer attacking in the domestic league while playing in defensive display in the UEFA EL. This is evident not changing our mode against Anderlecht and Mainz.

We discussed the German side”s game and spaces they make. Hopefully they will give up some spaces”.

Mammadov adds:

“It is going to be a difficult mission against Mainz. They are very strong side and play also in the Bundesliga. We will play in our best in this game for 3 points. I can say my last games for Gabala worked out. The head coach”s trust in me helps to boost my confidence. But I amd not satisfied by my own play as I can go more ahead”.