After the Super League Round 19 match “Nasaf” — “Shurtan” (2:0), “Nasaf” head coach Ruzikul Berdiev expressed his deep thoughts at the press conference. He spoke in detail about the game’s pace, the team’s internal state, and how the competition’s rhythm is increasingly sharpening.
— Your thoughts on the match?
As Berdiev emphasized, in games against outsider teams, psychological readiness often proves insufficient. Although this has been mentioned many times, the players also have their own internal attitude toward the contest. This mood was especially evident in the first half. When “Shurtan” defended in a 5–4–1 scheme, it was not easy for us to break through the opponent’s defensive block. However, by keeping patience to the end, we scored the first goal. After that, the advantage completely moved to our side, and we secured the needed victory.
— Why didn’t Javohir Sidiqov and Oybek Bozorov take the field?
We aimed to use players with superior speed on the flanks. Oybek Bozorov was injured in the Ferghana clash, and Javohir also has a minor injury. Therefore, the appropriate choice was made.
— What can you say about the new legionnaires?
Our recently joined foreign player trained with the main group for two days. His condition is not bad, but due to a lack of match practice we plan to gradually bring him to optimal level. Readiness for competition will be strengthened step by step.
— Igor Golban came on in the 85th minute…
At the end of the game, we switched to a plan of playing through long deliveries. Since Golban is strong in aerial duels, it was known that he would be useful precisely in such episodes — that’s why we sent him on.
— Rivals in the table have revived and drawn quite close. Ahead are tough matches, and at the same time there is the Elite Asian Champions League. Is there no fear of letting the championship slip?
We are calm. As much as possible, we will try not to drop from first place. The goal is to keep the title with us. Of course, we lost some points, but in terms of quality of play we managed to show that we are superior to both of our chasers. Important clashes lie ahead: in matches against Asia’s leading clubs we will also try to show our capabilities.
— The next opponent is “Surkhan.” A serious test awaits…
We approach every match with maximum responsibility. The opponents are substantial. We will try to return from Termez with a worthy result. Later, every lost point can become costly — this too must be taken into account.
— What do you think, is it necessary to bring in a psychologist or specialists who work with the human psyche to the team?
There is an opinion in football that, first of all, the head coach himself should also be a psychologist. Because it is he who prepares the players and tries to mentally instill his idea into the footballers’ minds. But sometimes, no matter how much you explain, a thought like “the opponent is weak” can pass inside a player. So far I have not seen a coach-psychologist in any team, therefore I cannot say definitively whether it is necessary or not.
Brief conclusion: “Nasaf” sought initiative in the middle of the pitch, created chances and, with patience and fortitude, opened the way. The victory was ensured not by the consequence of a single mistake, but by plan, discipline and patience. Ruzikul Berdiev noted that the team will keep its spirit high and continue preparing for the upcoming contests with the highest intensity and confidence.
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