Idman.biz
"I know Aykhan Abbasov very well from his time at Sumgayit. He is young and very eager to prove himself."
This was stated by the former head coach of the Azerbaijani national team, Giani De Biasi, in an interview with sportal.az.
We present the interview:
- How does the Azerbaijani national team look from the outside? Did you watch Azerbaijan's games against France and Ukraine in the last two matches of the 2026 World Cup qualifying round?
- Yes, of course, I watched both matches. On paper, the matches against both France and Ukraine seemed difficult. But I think the Azerbaijani national team played both matches well. They fought a worthy fight on the field.
- Aykhan Abbasov is currently the head coach of the national team, and most people welcome this appointment positively. He has been able to put forward positive work in three matches. In your opinion, can he bring success to the national team?
- I know Aykhan Abbasov very well from his time at Sumgayit. He is young and very eager to prove himself. That's great. But I don't know how much his inexperience will affect him. But in any case, I wish the Azerbaijani national team success.
- In general, what do you think is the main problem of the Azerbaijani national team? And also, of Azerbaijani football...
- This is a difficult point to clarify. Undoubtedly, the Azerbaijan Premier League does not contribute to the development of Azerbaijani players. When I first came to Azerbaijan, I said that we should work on the mentality of the players, and then on their qualities! I can say that in three years I saw incredible results and remarkable growth in this direction.
- You probably know that Fernando Santos could not win during his time in the national team. After losing 0:5 to Iceland in Reykjavik in the 2026 World Cup qualifying round, AFFA dismissed him...
- Moving from a reality like Portugal to the Azerbaijani national team is certainly not easy. Fernando Santos is an experienced coach. I guess he couldn't adapt to the new situation.
- Could you have stayed as the head coach of the Azerbaijani national team? What was the reason for your departure?
- Of course, I had the opportunity to stay as the head coach of the Azerbaijani national team, but I resigned myself.
- Do you think the national team is in a worse situation now?
- I don't think it's the worst of times for the Azerbaijani national team now. But I think it is possible to build the future with young players.
- Have you offered any Azerbaijani football players to Italian clubs? Who are you talking to from Azerbaijani football players now, do you have any remaining relationships?
- I told my friend who works in the A series team about two Azerbaijani players. But I won't say who they are. Since leaving Azerbaijan, I have not contacted any of the players in the national team so as not to bother them. I also have great respect for my fellow coaches. See you soon. Forza Azerbaijan!
