Azar Baghirov, the head coach of Shamakhi, spoke to Offsideplus.az about the team's adaptation process.

– How is your adaptation to the new club going?

– Adaption always comes with a psychological aspect. The facilities and environment at Shamakhi are top-class for any player or coach. We have known the management for a long time, so there are no issues on that front. As long as the players settle in psychologically, everything else will fall into place.

– Shamakhi usually goes through significant squad turnover each season, with top performers moving on and new ones coming in. However, this summer's overhaul seems even bigger. Do you think the new signings have the potential to fill the void left by those who departed?

– Yes. A larger group of players left the team this year after performing well and taking advantage of better offers. Time will tell how effectively the newcomers can replace them.

– Despite the departures, key figures like Ricardo Fernandes, Edgar Adilkhanov, and a few others have remained. Is that a encouraging factor for you?

– Of course, that is definitely a positive. Young talents like Edgar, Habib, and Oruj are still with us. Hopefully, they will have an even better season.

– Were there any players you actively tried to keep, but lost due to higher financial offers?

– Yes, there were. A few players we wished to retain received very lucrative offers elsewhere and chose to leave.

– Shamakhi’s main objective has traditionally been top-flight survival. However, under Aykhan Abbasov, the team used to secure safety quite early without facing much pressure. Do you feel a similar responsibility to guarantee survival early on?

– Time will tell. We will focus on taking the right steps to keep the team competing at a high level.

– Last season, everyone saw what you accomplished with local players at Kapaz. Shamakhi also relies heavily on local talent. Does this concern you at all?

– On the contrary. It is a pleasure to work with domestic players. It is our duty to contribute to Azerbaijani football and serve its development.

– Last season, Shamakhi’s reserve team conceded many goals but was also very productive in front of goal. This shows a strong attacking mindset. Can we expect some reserve players to make their Premier League debuts this season?

– Time will tell. There are certainly talented players—I saw their potential during our training camp in Gabala. In time, we will integrate them into the senior squad and put them to tougher tests.

– What message do you have for the Shamakhi supporters? Can they be confident about remaining in the top flight this season?

– I am confident we will stay in the Premier League. We want to play an entertaining, attack-minded, and vibrant style of football. We will get better step by step. As long as the fans stand by us, everything else will fall into place.