Afran Ismayilov: "A local head coach is good for our football, foreigners both spend money and set us back"

"It is a good result and success for the team to recover in one day, get out of a difficult situation, and draw in the next game."

Idman.biz reports that these words were said by Afran Ismayilov, a former football player of the Azerbaijani national team, in his statement to Sport24.az.

The former midfielder shared his thoughts on the (1:1) draw of the national team with Ukraine in Baku in the qualifying round of the 2026 World Cup:

"Head coach Aykhan Abbasov has a lot of hard work here. He took on this burden. Thanks to the football players as well. They did their best. They also won the point they wanted. Our national team could not score a goal either. Thank God, the national team showed good results."

Ismayilov said that the Ukrainian national team is stronger than us individually and as a team: "Aykhan Abbasov was able to instill determination, desire and national spirit in the team."

He also spoke about the issue of the head coach in the national team: "The leaders know this better. They make the decision. But I have always been in favor of a local head coach. I said this when Santos came. It was extra time and expense. Both our football is falling behind and our money is being spent. Thank God, we woke up even late. The Azerbaijani coach also showed that there is a need for a local specialist. You just need to give him a chance. We will face France and Ukraine away. There will be tough matches. We may lose. The local head coach should be given a long-term chance. For many years, foreigners have been coming and our football is falling behind. For example, Aykhan Abbasov himself can be given a chance. I believe that everything will go for the better."

Idman.biz