Sport24.az
The head coach of the Azerbaijan national team, Fernandu Santos, answered journalists' questions after the friendly match (1:2) they lost to Hungary. Sport24.az reports that the expert first shared his thoughts on the meeting...
- We didn't start the game well. Although we conceded a goal, we reacted well. After that, a balanced game took place. However, we conceded the second goal. The second half was more difficult. The opponent has quality players. They don't lose the ball easily. My players believed until the end that they could score the equalizer. However, some players were tired and this showed. That's why I made a change. We created 3 episodes at the end of the game, but it didn't work out. Luck is also needed in football. I was satisfied with the players in the last two games. They improved.
- Was Rza's attack in the last minutes your order?
- Of course, it was my decision.
- Official games are coming up. How optimistic are you?
- I talk to the players about this. What can we do better, what is bothering us. I tell them these things. We worked on the points we need to work on. I was able to see the things I wanted. Of course, there are still things missing. I have to point out the good things too.
- The retirement age for men in Azerbaijan is 65. What is it in Portugal?
- I will not answer this question. What does it have to do with football?
- The opposing coach said that your goal was scored with a hand. How would you comment on the episode?
- That's his opinion. I think the goal would have been counted even if there was VAR.
- There have been no victories for 10 games, but you say you are satisfied with the game. Maybe you should also say the negative points, maybe the players will draw conclusions from the criticism.
- I don't always say good things. Today we performed better than before. I have not criticized the players here and I will not.
- Have you already formed a certain squad for the qualifying matches?
- There were different squads. We had come from a long trip and some players needed rest. There was a return flight to Latvia later. Football players are also human. They should also be given time to rest.
- You play Emin Mahmudov in the defensive midfielder position. Don't you think you are depriving him of his creative potential?
- Pirlo is one of the best players in the world in that position. He showed his technique in the defensive midfield as well. Emin also played well today. I think he is better in this position. There is less space in front against big opponents. Emin also has good technique and has played perfectly in the last two matches.
- Jalal Huseynov stated that your main requirement was not to concede a goal. How far can we go with such a game?
- I didn't say such a thing. This is a lie. My assistant Rashad Eyubov knows that I didn't say such a thing.
Nuh Tarverdiyev
