Sport24.az
"For the team to recover in a day, to get out of a difficult situation, and to draw in the next game is a good result and success." These words were said by former Azerbaijani national football player Afran Ismayilov in his statement to Sport24.az.
The former midfielder shared his thoughts on the national team's draw (1:1) with Ukraine in Baku in the qualifying round match of Dİ-2026:
"There is great effort from head coach Aykhan Abbasov here. He took on this burden. Thanks are also due to the players. They did their best. They also won the point they wanted. Our national team couldn't even score a goal. 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, albeit late. The Azerbaijani coach also showed that there is a need for a local specialist. You just need to give them a chance. We will face France and Ukraine away. There will be tough matches. We may lose. A local head coach needs to be given a long-term chance. Foreigners have been coming for years, 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."
