Asif Mammadov: It's Time to Create Opportunities for Young People and About the Gabala Academy

"I turned 38 on August 5th. I am currently at an age where the probability of getting injured is high. Therefore, from the new season, I will continue as a player-coach. Of course, I also want to go out on the field and play. But realities must be taken into account. It is now time to create maximum opportunities for young people."

Idman.biz reports that this was stated by Gabala midfielder Asif Mammadov in his statement to Sport1.az.

The experienced member of the "Red-Blacks" also expressed his opinion on the restriction of the activities of the Gabala Academy and the reduction of funds: "There are no problems with the operation of our academy. Everything is going smoothly. However, our selectors will now try to identify those who are interested in football only in Gabala and its villages, not talented children from outside. Let's admit frankly that although many talented football players have come out of our academy, which has been operating for more than 15 years, there are almost no residents of Gabala. For example, going to Barda and selecting 5-10 talented children, bringing them to our academy, providing them with education, food, accommodation, etc., requires considerable expenses. The club management is also interested in avoiding such expenses and finding children in Gabala itself."

Idman.biz