Emin Mahmudov talks about the Ukraine game and his career

The captain of our national team, Emin Mahmudov, answered journalists' questions after the match against Ukraine within the qualifying round of the 2026 World Cup.

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

- What changed in one day that you were able to get a point from the Ukrainian national team after a heavy defeat in Iceland?

- Not much could change in one day. But Aykhan muallim tried to prepare us psychologically. He gave some instructions. We did our best to fulfill his wishes. Thank God it worked out.

- After this draw, can our national team earn points in the qualifying round?

- Of course, we believe in it. Time will tell whether it will work out or not.

- Did Fernando Santos say goodbye to the team?

- Yes, he said goodbye. He thanked everyone. He noted that he did his best.

- Will the point gained in the match with Ukraine have a positive impact on the team?

- We believe in it too. We will try to continue our successful performance. We fought as a team against Ukraine, we suffered as a team. I congratulate the head coach and the team.

- What needs to be done for the national team's matches to be as crowded as "Qarabag's" European Cup matches?

- Despite the heavy defeat away, I thank the fans who supported us from the stadium in the match against Ukraine. Thank you, they did not leave us alone. I believe that if the national team's results improve, the number of fans will also increase.

- You are already the most productive football player of the Azerbaijani national team...

- I am proud of it. Frankly, I worked very hard for it. My friends around me, everyone was waiting for it. Thank God it worked out. I have always said that the main thing is the success of the team. If we had lost to Ukraine, it would not have been so joyful to set a record.

- Can this goal change the course for you, for the national team?

- I don't know how much I will play in the future. Time passes, age increases. My goal is always to benefit the team.

- Isn't 15 goals a small number for a bomber?

- I think it's a good result for a midfielder. I also looked at the indicators of other countries for interest. 15 goals is not considered a small number for a midfielder.

- After 21 years, you updated Gurban Gurbanov's record. When will Emin Mahmudov's record be updated?

- Renat, Musa, Mahir can exceed this indicator in our national team. Sometimes luck is also needed. For example, I scored 7 goals in 1 year, then I couldn't score for a while.

- Which of the 15 goals do you consider the most memorable?

- The goal I scored against Sweden.

- Should the new head coach of our national team be a local specialist or a foreigner?

- I cannot say anything about the departing coaches and disrespect them. Santos also tried, but it didn't work out. AFFA will make the choice, and I will respect their decision. It was comfortable with Aykhan muallim. He convinced us that if we are together, we can achieve a minimum result. He instilled confidence in the team. Moreover, we know him, we know what he wants.

- Do you think Aykhan Abbasov should stay in the national team?

- I am not the decision maker. I would be very happy if he stayed. Even if he doesn't stay, whoever the new head coach is, the main thing is that he benefits the national team.

Idman.biz