Qarabag head coach Gurban Gurbanov answered questions during a pre-match press conference ahead of their fixture against Dynamo Kyiv.

Operativ Media reports that the experienced manager addressed the neutral venue factor and expressed his hopes for world peace:

"Support from their own fans and the atmosphere of a home stadium provide extra motivation for any team.

I would have loved for us to play this match in Kyiv, in their great stadium. It is a club and arena associated with Valeriy Lobanovsky. Playing there would have been a special event for us as well. I believe a good number of fans would have supported us too, and personally, stepping out onto that pitch would have been thrilling for me.

However, football today has reached a stage where playing away can sometimes actually feel more comfortable. That is because the burden of responsibility and psychological tension are felt far more during home games, whereas that pressure subsides somewhat away from home.

Even so, playing on home soil naturally carries an advantage. But Dynamo is a team accustomed to performing in such atmospheres over many years, so I do not believe playing at a neutral venue will severely impact their performance. Still, playing before 40,000 to 50,000 fans offers extra drive and prestige for them.

Of course, I wish they were not forced to play under these conditions of war. My hope is that the war ends soon, people return to their homes and homelands, and clubs can once again perform in front of their home supporters.

I hope that conflicts come to an end not only in Ukraine and Russia, but across the entire world, allowing people to live in peace and prosperity and children to grow up happy. God willing, everything will get back on track soon."