This year Jaba Lipartia will play at Europa League group stage. Lipartia plays for Zorya Luhansk and his goal helped Zorya make through to the final of Ukrainian Cup.
Lipartia is in Tbilisi and worldsport.ge talked to him:
- How would you summarize the last season?
- I think it was better than the previous one. I earned goals and assists. Zorya made through to the group stage of European tournaments for the first time in history of independent Ukraine.
- You were close to it two years ago…
- Unfortunately, we were scored at the last minute. Last year Legia of Poland beat us in playoffs.
- Ukrainian Premier League is a quite strong league and how did Zorya achieve success?
- During this financial crisis we have better normal conditions. We have good players. Of course, we cannot compare to Shakhtar and Dynamo but we are doing our best.
- You have been playing in Zorya for 6 years. Are you going to change the club in summer?
- No, I am not. My contract is expiring next summer. Perhaps, I will spend this season in Zorya.
- You are not called up for the Georgia national team. What can you say about it?
- I do not understand why I am not called up. If I did not deserve it, I would not be disappointed. Vladimir Weiss does not know me and I do not understand why. Earlier it was said Lipartia could not fit the scheme of the team.
- When was it said?
- Kakha Tskhadadze said it. I often play in midfield but when team needs I play on wing. Some players of Zorya play in the Ukraine national team and even they are surprised why I am not called up for the Georgia national team. I do not have an answer.