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Interview with Nargiz Gurbanova, head coach of the Azerbaijan U-17 women's national team, to Gol.az
- Nargiz khanum, let's talk about you first. How did your interest in football arise?
- My interest in football started from a young age. Because I loved watching football. I played football with my boyfriends. Although my parents did not allow it at first, I was able to change their minds after a certain age. I started football training in one of the girls' teams from about the age of 12. Over time, I managed to wear a uniform in the women's U-17 and U-19 national teams.
- So, how did you decide to become a coach?
- I am currently 31 years old. I have been working as a coach for 12 years. Of course, I don't think any football player wants to become a coach from a young age. I was 19 years old at the time. At that time, if I am not mistaken, I was not suitable for my age because there was only a U-15 and U-17 girls league. I couldn't play in these leagues because I was older. For this reason, my first coach suggested that I play football and train young girls as a trainee now, and become a football coach in the future. I agreed. Because football had become a part of my life. Over time, I realized that if I wanted to succeed, I had to choose one of two ways. I chose to be a coach.
- Was it difficult for you as a woman to succeed in this field?
- Of course, there are difficult days and great efforts behind every success. No matter what, if you keep working for your goal, you will succeed one day, regardless of time. You just have to be patient.
- In general, how do you assess the situation of women's football in our country?
- I think women's football is developing day by day. As an example, we can show our achievements in recent years. It is true that we sometimes suffer defeats. But we know that this is football. It may not be possible to always succeed. There used to be a saying: "What is a girl, what is football?!" I think our girls have already made people forget this idea. Also, in the past, when a child came to football, parents often did not allow it and did not support it. Positive changes have already taken place in this topic.
- In your opinion, what problems are there in women's football now?
- I think this is a long topic. Many football experts have expressed their opinions. I can only say that the best teacher in life is experience. If we want our girls to play good football in the future, we must first of all help them start playing football from an early age. For example, not at 10-13 years old, but at 6-8 years old. Let girls start playing football at this age so that they gain playing experience and achieve better results when they reach a certain age.
- Is there a lack of good football players or good experts in Azerbaijani football?
- If a football player starts playing football from the age of 12-13, even if he has the best head coach, it becomes difficult for that team to achieve results. Of course, the environment also has a great influence on the football player. Let's not forget this.
- Finally, what advice would you give to girls who want to become football players or coaches?
- I want to say that first of all, love your profession and believe that you can do it. Then work. Work so hard that you feel tired. Because tiredness means giving effort and work. At the end of this, you can succeed in any field of football.
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