It is certainly difficult for Qarabag to fail to qualify for the main stage of European competitions after 12 years. But let’s be realistic: maintaining consistent performances on the European stage for 12 years is itself a very difficult achievement.

Axar.az reports that Azerbaijan national team head coach Ayxan Abbasov said this in an interview with Tеleqraf, commenting on Qarabag’s elimination from the UEFA Conference League.

The coach said that the Aghdam club had demonstrated significant consistency over many years:

“It may seem easy today, but we see that even at major clubs, a significant decline occurs every three or four years, with changes to the squad and many other changes. Qarabag, however, did not experience such a decline over 12 years despite these changes. Although they lost the championship twice, they won the title in the other years and also played in European competitions.

This year, however, there was a major change in the team. The departure of so many players, especially key ones, as well as the aging of other players, inevitably forced the team to change. The players who have joined the team now need time to adapt to playing on such a stage and to this coach’s philosophy.”

Ayxan Abbasov said he believes Qarabag can return to its previous level:

“I think Qarabag has enough experience as a club. They know very well that rebuilding the team will take time. We lost in the playoffs today and failed to reach the main stage. This is not a good result for Qarabag. But even reaching the playoffs is difficult for our other teams, and that is considered a success for them.

Therefore, I believe this year’s transfers will prove successful and the championship will be fully competitive. Zira and Neftchi should also be mentioned. I think the championship title will be contested among these four teams. Qarabag's advantage is that they will compete on one front, while Sabah will compete on two. Considering that Sabah’s opponents in the Champions League are very strong and difficult, we are in for an interesting championship. I wish Qarabag success.”

It should be noted that Qarabag were eliminated from European competitions after losing to Dutch club Twente in the UEFA Conference League playoff round. Although the Aghdam club won 1-0 away, the Dutch side won 4-1 in Baku.