Gurban Gurbanov, the long-serving head coach of Qarabag, has been at the helm for an astonishing 190 of the club's 204 European fixtures. This remarkable tenure has earned him comparisons to legendary managers, with many dubbing him the 'Azeri Sir Alex Ferguson'. As Qarabag prepare to face Liverpool at Anfield in the Champions League, Gurbanov's disciplined and successful approach is under the spotlight.
A Strict Disciplinarian with a Squad Mentality
Since taking charge in 2008, Gurban Gurbanov has prioritised a strong squad mentality over expensive star signings. His philosophy revolves around building a cohesive unit where every player is equal and must adhere to strict disciplinary standards. This method has transformed Qarabag from a modest Azeri club into a consistent force in European competitions.
Building an Empire from Scratch
When Gurbanov was appointed as an urgent replacement in 2008, expectations were low. Maksim Medvedev, a former Qarabag player, recalls: "He was a young coach, and local coaches didn’t get a lot of credit those days. He started from scratch and wasn’t supposed to survive in the job." However, Gurbanov quickly proved his worth, winning the cup in his first season and securing a Europa League qualifying victory over Rosenborg.
This marked the beginning of a remarkable journey. Qarabag had to wait until 2014 for their first Azeri championship title under Gurbanov, but since then, they have dominated domestically, winning the league in 10 of the past 11 seasons. Their European progress has been equally impressive, with regular appearances in the Europa League group stage and qualification for the Champions League proper in 2017.
European Success and Political Significance
Qarabag's achievements hold significant political weight for Azerbaijan. The club originally hailed from Aghdam, a town in the disputed Nagorno-Karabakh region that was destroyed during the war with Armenia. After returning to Azerbaijani control in 2020, the area is being rebuilt, with Qarabag symbolising resilience and national pride.
Journalist Elsevar Mammadov explains: "According to the late Qarabag president Abdolbari Gozal, Azerbaijan president Heydar Aliyev asked him to take over to save the club. Gozal promised significant investments through Azersun Holding, a major food producer in the country." Despite having financial backing, Gurbanov has avoided splurging on big foreign names, instead focusing on a collective approach.
A Philosophy Based on Possession and Proactivity
Gurbanov's tactical philosophy emphasises possession-based, attacking football. Medvedev notes: "Under Gurbanov, we aspired to control the game and create scoring chances. We were never afraid to make mistakes, even against stronger opponents." This style has led to thrilling high-scoring matches in Europe, including a 4-2 win at Braga and a near-upset of Xabi Alonso's Bayer Leverkusen.
This season, Qarabag have continued to impress, qualifying for the Champions League league stage with a 5-4 aggregate win over Ferencvaros. They have secured notable victories, such as a 3-2 comeback against Benfica in Lisbon and a 2-0 win over Copenhagen, alongside an entertaining 2-2 draw with Chelsea.
Legendary Status and Future Prospects
Gurbanov is now regarded as a legend in Azerbaijan, surpassing even Tofiq Bahramov, the linesman from the 1966 World Cup final. Mammadov states: "Gurbanov achieved things that seemed impossible," while Medvedev adds: "He is our own Azeri Alex Ferguson. He will stay at Qarabag as long as he wants, then retire."
As Qarabag visit Anfield, they stand 18th in the Champions League league phase with 10 points, ahead of clubs like Marseille and Bayer Leverkusen. Even a defeat might secure a playoff spot, but Gurbanov will undoubtedly target a famous win to add to his long list of achievements. His legacy as a strict, fair, and visionary coach continues to inspire, proving that patience and a team-first mentality can yield extraordinary success on the European stage.
