Idman.biz
After the game against "Karvan-Yevlakh," our team's head coach, Saša Ilić, stated during a press conference that more opportunities would be given to young and local players from now on. He emphasized that the decision was made after discussions with the club management.
This was reported to İdman.Biz by the spokesperson of the "chemists," Zaur Khudiyev.
He stated that the coach's remarks were misrepresented in some media outlets:
"Incorrect interpretations claimed that the club's strategy had changed, that the team had retreated from its goals, and that it would only field local players. This presentation of the issue worries us as a club."
Zaur Khudiyev added that "Sumqayıt" FK has prioritized the development of local players since its inception:
"This decision is the result of a joint discussion between the club management and the head coach. It is well known to the public that "Sumqayıt" Football Club has placed special emphasis on the development of local players since its establishment. The club's main strategy is to create opportunities for young people growing up from the academy and other local players, and at the same time to form a balanced and competitive team by attracting foreign players. The goal is to contribute to Azerbaijani football and represent the country adequately in the international arena.
The decision taken in the current situation is purely due to the current circumstances. Thus, a number of the team's main foreign players are out of the squad due to injury and suspension. Ronaldo Vasquez and Roi Kehat are injured. Aleksandr Ramalingom and Nikola Ninkovic cannot play because they are suspended. The simultaneous absence of four key squad members forces the coaching staff to turn to alternative options. For this reason, the gaps are filled by academy graduates and local players.
It is incorrect to present this point as a change in the club's strategy. The club's long-term development path remains unchanged, and the team model based on the local-foreign balance will continue to be maintained.
After the injured and suspended players' terms expire, they will be at the disposal of the team again. At the same time, Abdul Rashid Mumini, who is currently far from his form, will return to the squad after restoring his optimal condition.
The club does not have an approach of only fielding local players or favoring only foreigners without giving local players a chance. Such a principle has never existed and will not be possible in the future. The club continues its activities, adhering to a balanced development strategy."
