In a candid interview about Neftchi, Agent Emil Shukurov noted that Baku’s new coach Miodrag Bozovic has not yet implemented sweeping changes within the club.
Shukurov explained that the squad is currently learning the Montenegrin specialist’s approach, taking time to understand his training philosophy and methods.
“There hasn’t been a single moment that sent a chill down the spine with Bozovic so far,” he said. “What stands out more is his emotional presence. He remains something of a closed book for us—a real mystery that we will study as the days go on. The team recently opened the training camp with a loss to a Turkish club, and so far there is little in the way of dramatic changes. Bozovic has set two clear aims: to win the cup and to secure at least second place in the league.”
“But taking second place would not fully satisfy Neftchi’s ambitions,” Shukurov added, signaling that higher expectations persist among the club’s leadership and supporters.
The Montenegrin coach brings a seasoned resume from his time in Russian football, having managed in Perm, Amkar, Moscow, Dynamo Moscow, Rostov, Lokomotiv Moscow, Arsenal Tula, and Samara. His notable achievements include steering Rostov to victory in the Russian Cup during the 2013/14 season, and guiding Perm Amkar to that tournament’s final seven years ago, a feat that remains part of his competitive legacy.
Recent transfer news also touched the club’s broader strategy, with reports confirming that Alexey Miranchuk extended his contract with Atalanta, a development that aligns with Neftchi’s ambitions to solidify a competitive squad around Bozovic’s system.