Ramik Hadzhyiev: "It was interesting to play against "Qarabag"

Midfielder of "Metalist 1925" Ramik Hadzhyiev talked about the ongoing Austrian team training camp, special motivation to play against "Qarabag" and "Borussia", as well as training under the guidance of Mladen Bartulovich:

- Was the friendly match against Qarabag special for you?

- When I found out the list of opponents at the training camp, I was certainly interested in playing against "Qarabag" - a team from my homeland, as I was born in Azerbaijan. They play in the Champions League, become champions of the country for several seasons in a row. So, it was very interesting to play, to see their level, and to compare myself with them.

- You managed to score and assist. Are you satisfied with your performance?

- Yes, I am satisfied with my performance. I try to make impactful plays in every match. I am very pleased that I was able to demonstrate this specifically against a team like "Qarabag".

- The match was in an unusual format - 120 minutes, and the spectators saw 9 goals. What do you think about the match result and the team's overall performance?

- Currently, during the training camp, we are fine-tuning our team play. There's a lot of theory, tactical training. I believe that in this game, we showed good teamwork. As for the high number of goals - it's always interesting for the spectators. It was an exciting match, I think everyone enjoyed it.

- The training camp is in full swing. It's always challenging for footballers. At what stage is your preparation? Has it become easier physically and mentally? How do you feel?

- We are currently at a stage of the training camp where we are finishing the first phase. Physical sensations are tough because there were many sessions. Two training sessions per day, gym workouts - we are under significant strain. This is normal for training camps, to prepare for the season and be in optimal physical shape. We will have a few days off now, so the physical condition will improve slightly. We will be ready for the second training camp and ultimately will be in good form.

- The team is preparing under the guidance of the new coach Mladen Bartulovich. Are the players managing to meet his demands?

- Yes, we have a new coach. From the first day, he conveys to us his vision of football, his demands. We work on improving this every day in training. All the players already know what they should do on the field, where they should be depending on the situation.

- What about the conditions in Austria? Do you have everything necessary for quality preparation? Is there anything here that surprised you?

- As for Austria - everything is here. The conditions are very good for basing and preparing for the season. It's very beautiful here, surrounded by mountains. Even when you train and it's hard, you look at these landscapes - and it becomes easier, you get pleasure from this beauty. In general, everything necessary is here: a gym, wonderful fields, everything for recovery - excellent conditions for preparation.

- "Metalist 1925" has very interesting opponents - at the level of the Champions League and the World Cup. How do you feel about playing against such sparring partners? Whom among those you have had to play against or will have to play against, can you highlight?

- I believe that each opponent we face is very interesting. For example, we have three teams from Germany ahead of us. I think it will be interesting to play against all of them. Of course, playing against Borussia Mönchengladbach will be the most interesting - I really want to play against Borussia, as it is a team from the Bundesliga. So, it will be very interesting to compare our strengths with them.