Aliqulov reveals the plans behind the victory over Neftchi

In the 1/8 final round of the Uzbekistan Cup, Mashʼal defeated Neftchi and continued their run in the competition. After the match, guest head coach Asror Aliqulov attended the press conference and spoke about the tactical approach that led to victory and the team's overall condition.

“Today we decided to rest some key players,” Aliqulov said. “We studied Neftchi’s style deeply and prioritized ball control. We aimed to put pressure on the opponent first and then keep possession and control the game. In some situations our plans did not work in full, but the overall result was positive for our team.”

He noted that even though some main players did not participate in the match, they traveled with the team to Kokand, since Mashʼal’s next match against Navbahor is expected to take place in that region. “We will continue preparation in the region,” the coach added.

“Tactical preparation and strong defense against Neftchi”

Aliqulov stated that Neftchi tried to attack quickly via the flanks and deliver high passes, but Mashʼal’s defensive line was well organized and managed to prevent a goal.

“It is not easy to perform at 100% in every episode against such an opponent. But we made changes in set-pieces and scored a goal,” he emphasized.

Future plans and Cup ambitions

During the journalists' briefing, the coach said he is committed to a strategy of preparing separately for each game, rather than focusing on who the next opponent will be. “Once the opponent is known, we will develop a tactical approach based on that,” he said.

He also mentioned there are plans to strengthen the squad between the Cup rounds.

“There was no contrarian attacking plan – we played our own game”

According to Aliqulov, the team did not plan to play as a secondary opponent. “There were many long passes in the game, especially at the start due to nerves. But gradually we gained control of the game and ended up scoring,” he explained.

“One win in one match is not everything”

At the end of the press conference Aliqulov spoke about the team's future plans: “Winning one match is not a guarantee of all our successes. We will continue to approach every match with determination and preparation,” concluded the experienced coach. Read 'Zamin' on Telegram!