Another intense day in the European football environment: today, Turkey's famous “Istanbul Basaksehir” team will take the field against Bulgaria's “Cherno More” club in the second qualifying round return match of the UEFA Conference League. The main attention in the team is focused on the leading attacking players of the Uzbekistan national team — Eldor Shomurodov and Abbosbek Fayzullaev.
In the first away match, Basaksehir defeated the opponent 1:0, and it was in that match that Eldor Shomurodov made his official debut for the team. Now, the main goal for the team and the fans is to advance to the next stage.
Head coach Çağdaş Atan shared his full thoughts and conclusions ahead of this important match:
— We are once again continuing our trials on the international stage and are proud to participate in this tournament. Last season, we achieved positive results in the play-offs and this time we also want to repeat last year’s successes.
Çağdaş Atan commented on the opponent as follows:
— Cherno More is a well-organized and tactically mature team. We analyzed their game in detail. The head coach of the opponent can read the match well, which will be a serious test for us.
Focusing on the details of the first match, Atan noted:
— Our team played well in the first meeting, created 4-5 dangerous chances. We had even more opportunities to score, but the team also played very reliably in defense. I am satisfied with the result, but I think in the upcoming match we need to approach the game even more seriously. Every time we take the field, the goal is only to win and move to the next stage.
Touching separately on the increase in the number of Uzbek footballers in Basaksehir, Çağdaş Atan said:
— We brought Uzbek footballers into the team, and this, in turn, has encouraged not only Turkish fans but also Uzbek football fans to come to the stadium. There are many Uzbeks in Turkey, so we expect many new fans to support us in the stadium for this match.
— Naturally, attracting fans is important, and the intensity of football on the field, combination play, and discipline also play a big role. We try to show our strongest sides. The result of the first match was decisive for us. Now, our situation is a little better than the opponent's, but nothing is settled yet.
On plans on the way to the play-offs, he said:
— We are preparing very seriously for the play-off stage. In the return match, we aim to win and continue our path in the international tournament. We have experience in European tournaments, and we always work on our mistakes. Our plan is to eliminate mistakes, adapt to the tournament format, and strive to go forward in every match. This year, we want to achieve the goals that we could not reach last season.
The coach also specifically mentioned the team’s transfer policy:
— We have made very important transfers, brought new and strong attacking players into the team. Now we have more options in the central attack. In some matches, we plan to play with two central forwards. I am satisfied with all my players, I trust them.
Thoughts on Shomurodov:
— The potential of Eldor Shomurodov, his fighting character on the field, and his results in the national team have especially attracted my attention. I had long awaited his arrival, Eldor is a very important footballer for me. He also knows the Turkish championship well, and his experience on the field is of great value.
— Competition in the attacking line has increased, every player is trying to show their capabilities. Shomurodov’s condition is close to 100 percent, he is fully ready. Long participation in European tournaments is a strategic goal for our team.
— We prefer attacking football, last season we were one of the highest scoring teams. Even if we are ahead in the score, we do not stop attacking, we try to put the opponent in a difficult situation.
— Our team and I always aim to bring fans constant struggle, new victories, and real football emotions through Uzbek stars.
This major match will start at 22:45 Tashkent time. “Istanbul Basaksehir” will once again pass an important test at home. Every move of Eldor Shomurodov and Abbosbek Fayzullaev in the new team, the team’s strategy, and results are calling football fans to the stadium with even greater interest ahead of the new season.
With new transfers, solid goals, and clear plans, “Basaksehir” aims to continue its European journey with active and confident steps.
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