Latvian tactician Ervīns Pērkons achieved a triumphant debut as interim manager of Azerbaijani Premier League club Imishli, leading his squad to a 1-0 home triumph against fourth-placed Turan Tovuz. The outcome halted a four-game losing slide for Imishli and represented just their second domestic league win of the campaign.
The 36-year-old manager from Latvia arrived at Imishli in the summer in the capacity of a set-piece coach. He subsequently assumed broader duties inside the technical team, stepping up to the role of assistant coach over time.
Earlier in the week, the organization opted to terminate its relationship with Azerbaijani manager Farid Namazov on the heels of four straight league losses, naming Pērkons to the interim managerial post.
His initial test proved highly demanding, as Imishli played host to a Turan Tovuz squad that had put together a strong opening to the season. The visiting team entered the match on a four-game unbeaten streak and had experienced only a single loss across their first seven league fixtures.
Even though they started the match as the underdogs, Imishli broke the deadlock in the 25th minute courtesy of a long throw. The throw-in created chaos in the opposition penalty box, allowing Brazilian attacker Diogo Rollo to be first to react to the loose ball near the goal and poke it inside.
The strike turned out to be the game-winner, though Pērkons and his players endured heavy pressure through the rest of the game. Turan Tovuz pressed ahead looking for a tying goal, compelling Imishli to spend extended stretches defending their slim margin.
Nevertheless, the home side showed great toughness and managed to safeguard their advantage until the final whistle, claiming three crucial points during the Latvian manager’s debut at the helm.
This triumph represented the second win for Imishli across eight league matches this term, bringing their total points to seven. The club currently sits in the ninth position within the 12-club Azerbaijani Premier League table.
Imishli aims to use this success as momentum next Sunday when they welcome Shamakhi for their upcoming league encounter.
Source: balticfootballnews.com
