Bahlul Mustafazadeh: Aykhan Abbasov knows the players well, and this had an effect

Azerbaijan national team footballer Bahlul Mustafazadeh answered journalists' questions after the 1:1 draw with Ukraine in the 2026 World Cup qualifying group match at home.

Idman.biz presents the interview with reference to Sportnet.az:

- You won a point under the leadership of a local head coach, albeit temporarily. What changed?

- The head coach came and first of all, we tried to restore our confidence. We talked more about this, we didn't have much opportunity to train as a team. That's why the head coach chose this path. I think his conversations had a positive impact on the team. We tried to show it on the field.

- Was the reason you couldn't show this determination and will in the past games the former head coach?

- I don't want to talk about it, our previous head coach (Fernandu Santos - ed.) is gone, it is not ethical to give this as a reason. In general, I can say that Aykhan Abbasov came and he knows the players well, and this had an effect. We will prepare for the upcoming games to perform better.

- Let's put motivation aside. What were the thoughts before the game, how did you analyze the opponent, what were the thoughts?

- It was difficult to recover after the heavy defeat we suffered away. Our head coach Aykhan Abbasov worked hard on this and recovered us. In general, we were able to analyze Ukraine in a short time and we were organized as a team. Everyone knew what they were doing on the field, everyone did their best to make us forget the past result.

- What discussions did Aykhan Abbasov have with you during the break?

- In general, he told us some details about the opposing team and told us to continue the game and that we would have chances. We tried our best to fulfill his instructions.

- Boyukagha Hajiyev was the first local head coach to represent Azerbaijan in the group stage of the European Cups, followed by Gurban Gurbanov. In other words, local head coaches are more successful. Don't you think that it is necessary to continue with a local head coach in the national team?

- Actually, it is not in my power to say anything about this. As I said, Aykhan Abbasov knows the players better than foreign coaches, he knows their mentality better. It is difficult for me to express an opinion on this in general.

- In general, was Aykhan Abbasov's system comfortable for you, or was it difficult to adapt?

- Even though it was for a short time, he tried his best to convey his thoughts to the team. I think he did very well. The players knew where to fall on the field and it had a positive effect overall.

- Would you like to continue with Aykhan Abbasov?

- Of course. Why not?!

Idman.biz