Qarabag have made an official announcement ahead of their trip to Tyneside to face Newcastle United in the Champions League.
This is of course the second leg of the play-off to see which of the two clubs move into the Champions League last 16.
Newcastle United having put in a brilliant performance in Baku in the first leg to take a 6-1 lead over Qarabag.
Qarabag announcing on Friday that for the Newcastle United away game: ‘A press conference and open training for media representatives will be held in Baku before the “Newcastle United” – “Qarabag” match in the UEFA Champions League play-off round.’
Normally for Champions League matches, the away side have their pre-match press conference at the opposition club’s stadium, at a time following the home side’s press conference. Also, the away side usually train on the home side’s pitch, with the media given access to the opening 15 minutes of it.
Instead, Qarabag announcing today that for the Newcastle United match: ‘Our team’s open training for media representatives will be held on February 22 at 20:15 at the Tofig Bahramov Republic Stadium. A press conference with the participation of our head coach Gurban Gurbanov will be held on February 23 at 14:00 at the Tofig Bahramov Republic Stadium. It should be noted that the Newcastle United – Qarabag match, which will be held as part of the second leg of the UEFA Champions League play-off round, will start on February 24 in England, at the St James Park stadium, at 21:00 Central European Time (00:00 Baku time).’
Not sure whether Qarabag have changed their plans due to the 6-1 scoreline in the first leg.
Potentially changing arrangements so they will minimise their time on Tyneside, with United’s progress all but guaranteed in the competition.
There is a four hour time difference between Newcastle Upon Tyne and Baku.
So when Qarabag state their open training session will be 20:15 on Sunday 22 February, that is 4.15pm in the UK.
Whilst for Gurban Gurbanov’s press conference, that is 14:00 on Monday 23 February, which is 10am in UK time.
So with the lengthy flight taking off sometime after the Qarabag press conference, which will be manager Gurban Gurbanov and one of his players speaking to media, it appears that it will be late Monday at the earliest when Qarabag will be landing at Newcastle.