Idman.biz
"We played against very serious and high-level opponents. Teams like Iceland and France are constantly participating in major tournaments and performing stably."
This was stated by Azerbaijani national team footballer Rufat Abdullazade in an interview with AZERTAC.
We present this interview:
- In the qualifying round of the 2026 World Cup, you wore the main team's uniform for the first time in the match against Iceland in Baku. How do you rate your debut?
- Debuting in the main national team is every football player's dream and it was a very proud moment for me. In my first game, I tried to fulfill the head coach's instructions as much as possible and benefit the team. I could have played better in some episodes, but I rate the overall performance positively. This is just the beginning for me.
- What are your impressions of the home matches against Iceland (0:2) and France (1:3)?
- We played against very serious and high-level opponents. Teams like Iceland and France are constantly participating in major tournaments and performing stably. We tried to be as disciplined as possible in both matches. Some things didn't go the way we wanted, but as a team, we showed our fight and felt signs of improvement.
- After Aykhan Abbasov's arrival, it seems that a national spirit has formed in the players. But what matters is also the result. How much time is needed for success?
- Changes never give results in one day. Aykhan muellim has his own philosophy and we are gradually starting to implement the game style he wants. The atmosphere in the team is very good. If we continue like this, successful results will come in a short time. Just patience and faith are needed.
- Which of the last two opponents did you believe you could get points from?
- We went into both games with the aim of winning points. You can't give up on any opponent in football in advance. We thought our chances were more realistic in the match against Iceland, but we didn't get what we wanted. We knew that the game against France would be more difficult. But again, we did our best to stay in the game and fight decently.
- Currently, there is an opinion that the Azerbaijani national team plays defensive football...
- In the current situation, it may seem from the outside that we are playing more defensively. But our goal is to show balanced football. Since the opponents we face are high-level, we have to defend more in certain parts of the game. Our main desire is to maintain and develop our own playing style. Time will tell how successful this is.
- The Azerbaijani national team will play in Division D of the UEFA Nations League next year. Do you believe you can rise to League C?
- Of course, we believe. The Nations League is a real chance for us to show ourselves and gain ratings. The team has potential and we are confident that we can rise to League C with the right approach.
- Do you want Aykhan Abbasov to stay in the national team after the qualifying round?
- What is important for me is that the head coach who can really benefit the national team is in charge. Aykhan muellim is one of the specialists included in this category and I have great respect for him. He makes positive touches to the team, and his playing style benefits the players. I enjoy working with him. But of course, the final decision belongs to the AFFA leadership.
