Idman.biz
"Even though we drew with Ukraine, I left with positive emotions from our team's performance. Having a local coach in the national team is what it's all about."
Idman.biz reports that this was stated by Deni Qaysumov, former defender of the Azerbaijan national team, in an interview with Sportal.az.
He spoke about our national team's match against Ukraine (1:1) in the qualifying round of the 2026 World Cup: "A local coach is always in contact with the players and knows, recognizes his players, and is familiar with their qualities. Moreover, Aykhan Abbasov coached our U-21 team and "Shamakhi"
You know, to be honest, I admire our boys for this game! We discussed this game with Arif Asadov, and also contacted Faig Huseynov and Emin Agayev. The whole team performed well, Emin Mahmudov and Abdullayev Khaybulayev played great, just fantastic! The Ukrainian team is very strong in name, but our guys managed it!".
Qaysumov, who currently works as a coach in Russia, also expressed his views on the vacant head coach position of the national team: "Of course, Aykhan should be kept in his position until the end of the qualifying round. In addition, AFFA should stand behind him, support him and give him the opportunity to work."
Our national team's next match will be against the French national team. Qaysumov shared his expectations from this match and also recalled the France-Azerbaijan (10:0) match held in Auxerre in 1995: "I remember that match. They told me about that match. Sometimes it happens. France is of course still the favorite. I hope that Aykhan Abbasov and his assistants will study the opponent carefully. It is important for our guys to believe in themselves and it is always nice to play against the favorite! We thank our team for the result and emotions."
Idman.biz
The 57-year-old specialist played 23 matches for the Azerbaijani national team from 1995-1998.
