Idman.biz
"I don't think our team was physically tired."
This was stated by Samir Musayev, former striker of the Azerbaijan national team, in an interview with futbolinfo.az.
We present that interview:
– Let's start the conversation with our national team's match against France (0:3). Let's admit that most people expected a bigger defeat. There were even those who assumed that the "Oser tragedy" would be repeated. How do you assess our team's performance in the match against France?
– Yes, many people thought as you said. The opponent's strength probably forced them to think that way, but it didn't happen. Our team defended well against France, fought, and the players did their best. Yes, we lost, but there was a fighting team on the field, and Aykhan Abbasov was able to create it. I congratulate him on this and wish him success. There is still a lot of work to be done, but 80% of this work should be done in children's football.
– It was assumed that our players, who spent a lot of energy in the game against France, would be tired in the match against Ukraine. But we did not witness this. In your opinion, was the score recorded in the match against Ukraine due to the game? Did our team not deserve a point in this match?
– I don't think our team was physically tired. On the contrary, despite the defeat, the game against France increased the self-confidence of our players and motivated them. For this reason, our team played well against Ukraine. Yes, the score was not according to the game, but our team played great. Honestly, now there is a little hope for the future. I would say that the Ukrainian national team won 6 points in this match.
– What positive changes are noticeable in our team after Aykhan Abbasov's arrival?
– After Aykhan Abbasov's arrival, a lot has changed in the team. First of all, a fighting team, self-confidence was created in our players, and our team started playing with determination. Hopefully, a lot more will change over time.
– What did you particularly like in our team's game plan in the last two matches?
– It is clear that you cannot play open football against France. In that match, we saw that our team was able to defend well. In the match against Ukraine, we saw that we were able to play in attack. Now it remains to gradually improve these.
– As a former striker, do you agree that our team's biggest problem right now is with the attack line? There is no worthy "number 9"…
– No, I do not agree. In my opinion, both Nariman Akhundzade and Musa Gurbanli are currently the best strikers in Azerbaijan. They may have a little less experience, but this will improve over time. If they don't play regularly, how will they develop? So they have to play regularly.
– Our team will play its next matches against Iceland and France in Baku next month. What are your expectations from these meetings?
– I believe that our team can take points in these two games. Our last two meetings give reason to think so. I am sure that Aykhan Abbasov will prepare the team for the next two matches at the required level. You just have to believe.
