Sport24.az
Former head coach of the Azerbaijani national team Gianni De Biasi gave an interview to Sportal.az. The Italian specialist, who coached our national team in 2020-2023, is unemployed after leaving our country. The 69-year-old coach also talked about the current situation of our national team. Sport24.az presents the interview to you.
- 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 D-2026 qualifying round?
- Yes, of course, I watched both meetings. On paper, both matches against France and Ukraine looked tough. But I think the Azerbaijani national team played both matches well. They fought worthy on the field.
- Aykhan Abbasov is currently the head coach of the national team, and most people welcome this appointment. He has been able to produce 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 in Sumgayit. He is young and very eager to prove himself. That's very good. 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? 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 failed to win during his time in the national team. After losing 0:5 to Iceland in Reykjavik in the D-2026 qualifying round, AFFA sent him to resign...
- Of course, it is not easy to move from a reality like Portugal to the Azerbaijani national team. Fernando Santos is an experienced coach. He probably couldn't adapt to the new situation.
- Could you have stayed in the position of head coach of the Azerbaijani national team? What was the reason for your departure?
- Of course, I had the opportunity to stay in the position of 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 time 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 among Azerbaijani football players right now, do you have any relations left?
- 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 disturb them. I also have great respect for my coaching colleagues. See you later. Forza Azerbaijan!
