Elmir Khankishiyev: In the game against Iceland, it was as if the team was gathered from outside

An interview with Elmir Khankishiyev, the former midfielder of the Azerbaijan national team, to futbolinfo.az website.

– How would you comment on the national team's 0:5 defeat to Iceland on the road?

– I watched the game, if you can call it a game. There was no connection between the lines in our national team. It was as if the team was gathered from outside and brought to the match. Our defenders were just kicking the ball forward, unnecessarily. We didn't see a team game in our national team. I was very upset, they disappointed our people. In yesterday's match, I didn't like anyone's game in the national team, almost. It was as if we didn't want to play football. We can distinguish our goalkeeper a little. He saved our team from a goal in 1-2 episodes. I didn't like the performance of any of the field players.

– In this match, it was not known whether the midfield line of our national team existed or not. Do you agree?

– Yes, you are right. Our midfielders did not participate in either defense or attack. Our defenders were kicking the ball forward over the heads of the midfield line, as a result, the Icelanders took the ball and attacked us again. In other words, our midfielders had no role yesterday. True, we did not defend badly in the first half overall. But it seems that we had strength for 45 minutes. In the second half, our strength ran out, we also broke away from the game psychologically, and as a result, we lost by a large score.

– The next opponent will be the Ukrainian national team on September 9. After a shameful start, what can you hope for in a match that will be held within native walls?

– A very difficult game awaits us. Our national team must come to its senses and at least give the Azerbaijani people some hope in this meeting. Football players must gather, put their words together and encourage the fans by showing a good game.

– Will it be possible to snatch points from someone in the qualifying round?

– In my opinion, it is possible to beat the Icelanders in Baku. We exaggerate Iceland too much. Despite the score in Reykjavik, they are a slightly superior team in terms of level than us, that is, not France or Ukraine. It is possible to show a good game against them and win in Baku. It is just important to choose the right tactics, and also the correct approach of the players to the meeting. I think we can finish the World Cup qualifying round with 3 points.

Idman.biz