Mourinho's former assistant: "If I receive an offer from Azerbaijan, I am ready to consider them" - INTERVIEW

An interview of AZERTAC with Portuguese Jose Morais, who worked as an assistant to the famous expert Jose Mourinho in famous teams such as "Porto" of Portugal, "Inter" of Italy, "Real Madrid" of Spain, "Chelsea" of England during his coaching career, and is currently the head coach of the Turkish club "Bodrumspor".

- Your compatriot Fernandu Santuş leads the Azerbaijani national team. How do you assess his work?

- Santuş is a very experienced expert. He is known as a disciplined head coach with a strong defense-building ability and reliable tactics during his time with the national teams of Portugal and Greece. Frankly, the players in the Azerbaijani national team do not have high-level experience. Santuş's tactics cannot help the team immediately. It takes time for this.

- In your opinion, which of his tactics can help the team in the future?

- He prefers a fast, reactive style of play. This requires high concentration and disciplined defenders. It is possible that there is no defender in the Azerbaijani national team who can do this consistently.

- What is needed to develop these?

- Most Azerbaijani football players do not play in European clubs. Players play domestically or in lower-level foreign teams. It takes time to gain experience. Playing abroad is of great benefit to the national team.

- Do you believe that Fernandu Santuş will benefit the Azerbaijani national team?

- A new player or coach who comes to the team cannot adapt to the team immediately. It takes time for this. Santuş is an expert who can instill tactical discipline well enough in the team. He can improve the image of Azerbaijani football. It just takes time.

- The national team is in the same group with France, Ukraine and Iceland in the qualifying round of the World Championship. How do you assess their chances?

- It does not seem realistic for the Azerbaijani national team to compete with France and other giant teams in a short period of time. Instead, by playing against lower-ranked teams such as Ukraine, they can gain good experience and set future goals. I believe that Santuş's experience will benefit your team.

- Do you have any information about Azerbaijani football in general?

- I know "Qarabağ" and "Neftçi" teams very well. Both teams regularly compete in European cups.

- It is interesting, what would be your reaction if you received an offer from our country?

- I am open to considering offers from Azerbaijan.

Idman.biz