Newcastle take on Qarabag in the Champions League on Wednesday
Qarabag's Azerbaijan coach Gurban Gurbanov attends a press conference before the game against Newcastle
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Qarabag manager Gurban Gurbanov has played down the chances of his side triumphing in their Champions League play-off tie against Newcastle United.
The Azerbaijani side host the Magpies at the Tofiq Bahramov Republican Stadium on Wednesday night with a 5.45pm kick-off as the knockout phase of the competition gets under way.
Newcastle head into the clash as favourites over two legs, but Qarabag are not to be underestimated. Despite having already beaten Benfica, Eintracht Frankfurt and FC Copenhagan in this season's tournament, Gurbanov says the Premier League side 'have the edge' on the minnows.
“Newcastle United are a well-known and well-established club," he said. "They have a style of play that does not suit us. No team in England wants to play against Newcastle because they do not allow their opponents to play their game.
"We want to play a brave, intelligent game on our own pitch. Our opponents have the edge on us in a number of ways but I believe my players will give their best."
Newcastle have travelled to Baku on Tuesday and will train at the Tofiq Bahramov Republican Stadium after Eddie Howe's press conference.
The stadium holds around 31,000 and United will be backed by 1,998 supporters. They are already expecting a tough game with Qarabag a real threat, having held Chelsea to a 2-2 draw earlier this season.
It is the furthest a team from Azerbaijan has gone in the Champions League and Gurbanov has called upon his players to fight until the end and give the home fans a reason to create an intimidating atmosphere for Newcastle.
“It is a game where we can gain a lot of experience," added Gurbanov. "It is the first time in the history of Azerbaijani football that we will play in the play-off stage of the Champions League.
"Especially since we will play against a club as well established as Newcastle United. It is a team that comes from the number one championship in the world.
"We had little time to prepare for the game. But overall, our players are acting very responsibly and are excited. They are looking forward to tomorrow’s match. Each of them is thinking of playing one of their best games.
"We will try to fight well on our home field, in front of our fans, play smartly and bravely. I believe that our players will try to show their best side.”
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