Emin Mahmudov: "We don't have a player like Dominik Szoboszlai"

Interview with Emin Mahmudov, captain of the Azerbaijan national team, to QOL.az

- What caused the defeat?

- Hungary is a high-level team. Our game didn't quite work out. We wanted to attack more. We had opportunities, but we couldn't capitalize on them. Actually, we could have played better. Overall, Hungary deserved the victory.

- Can it be said that there was a difference in level between the two teams?

- Unfortunately, we don't have a player like Dominik Szoboszlai. He was making 50-meter passes from his position. That's why our job was a bit difficult. We must not stop, we need to work harder.

- Hungary is roughly at the same level as our opponents in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, Iceland and Ukraine. If we can't do anything against the Hungarians at home, what hope is there in official matches?

- I wouldn't say that we can't do anything at all. We had chances. It could have been a draw in the last minutes. There were opportunities to score the second goal. We will try to perform better in the future.

- During the game, our national team took 8 shots on goal, while the opponent took 25...

- There is a difference between the teams, of course. As I said, we can play better.

- The national team has not been able to win for 1 year - exactly 10 games. When will the losing streak end?

- We understand the situation. Our fans are also disappointed. It's a pity that it turns out this way. We also want to change the situation for the better as soon as possible.

- Before the match, there was news that if our national team loses, Fernando Santos will be dismissed. Did the Portuguese manager say goodbye to you after the game?

- I am not aware of that. No, Santos didn't say anything about it after the game. Matters related to the head coach are not our business. Our job is to go out on the field and fight for the name of Azerbaijan.

Idman.biz