"Guba" head coach Shahriyar Askerov made statements to the club's press service.

Offsideplus.az reports that the specialist spoke about preparations for the new season:

"We have started training on September 10. The team is almost fully formed. We are working on physical and tactical plans. On October 2, we will hold our first match in the ABL, the opponent is "Serhadchi". Therefore, some issues need to be expedited. The players' physical preparation is satisfactory. We also have a test match today. We will face NTD. But several more test matches are planned. Tactical preparations are also underway. Time is short. During this period, we need to summarize some issues and apply them to the team. We do not give the impression of a bad team. It is too early to say anything about the situation. The outlines of the team will be determined by the end of September".

He considered it appropriate for Levan Gogaladze to remain in the team:

"It would be more appropriate if we kept the team's staff and played the players together for a few years. Then the players would know each other better. They would also adapt to the game system. We wouldn't have to re-implement something every year. But the reality is this. Levan Gogaladze has always helped us. We also use his services as a consultant in physical training. He is an experienced player. He has been with us for the fourth season. It is appropriate for Gogaladze to remain in the team. I wish we had the opportunity to keep some of the players who were in the team last season. For example, I mean Davonte Craven, Cameron Jones. They were very good players. But they also have their own plans, we couldn't force them. In any case, our current staff is complete and I believe in all my players and my team."

The head coach emphasized that the main goal of the current season is to get into the top 8:

"We can attract certain players to the team in the winter or after that. But now we have managed to form the squad as much as possible. Our main goal is to successfully complete the first two rounds and reach high places in Division B. After that, why not perform for a more successful result? In general, our main goal is to stay in the top 8 and fight for high places. Last year, we lost in the first game of the playoffs, despite the fact that many did not believe in us, due to a coincidence. We lost the first match in overtime. In the second match, there were controversial decisions, and at the end of the game we lost the match. In any case, we also have claims. Everything will be seen during the championship. Time will tell how much the preparation of our players will allow this. I believe in them."

He said that he expects support from local fans at home games:

"We want to develop basketball in Guba. If there is some enthusiasm for children's basketball, it is possible to do some work. In any case, we have a good team and we believe that there will be support. Fans are also a great support. I ask basketball and sports enthusiasts from Guba, as well as the sports community, to support us at least in our home games. Let us also raise the name of our Guba to the top. Much depends on their support for us at games. I also ask parents from Guba to enroll their children in basketball training and bring them to matches. Our beautiful Northern region has a very physically healthy population. Children are also interested in basketball. Of course, it would be great if most children were involved in basketball. I hope that we will make them happy with our victories. We are hopeful and positive. We are preparing for the new season in the best way possible so that we can make Guba fans happy."