The head coach of the Uzbekistan national team, Timur Kapadze, participated in a press conference after the match against the Kyrgyz Republic in the 3rd round of the "CAFA Nations Cup-2025."
- First of all, I want to thank everyone for the congratulations. I congratulate everyone on the victory. Thank God, we won. It wasn't an easy game. The important thing is that we achieved the desired result. I also thank the guys. They played a beautiful game.
Otabek Shukurov: - At the national team level, there is no easy game. Therefore, I don't think an easy victory was achieved. We were proud, we won and climbed to the top. We are seriously preparing for the final match against Iran.
- In the game against Oman, the team played with a 4-2-3-1 tactic. In the matches against Turkmenistan and the Kyrgyz Republic, the old tactic was returned to 3-4-3. What is the reason for this?
- The reason is the rivals. Some opponents play with 2-3 forwards, and in such a situation, we only have to make passes. Sometimes you have to leave three defenders behind. That's what we planned. The opponents also played with the same tactics, mirroring us. Of course, there were many rotations in the squad. Therefore, we played more systematically in defense and tried to wait for our opportunity.
- No chances were left for the opponent in today's match. Please share the aspects that made you happy today.
- "All the players played well today. Therefore, it is inappropriate to praise someone. Yes, sometimes someone's game doesn't work out. At such a time, this is not the main thing. Victory is important. Thankfully, we won 4:0. In such a situation, any footballer can be recognized.
- Abdulla Abdullayev was absent from yesterday's training session and was not included in today's match. He was injured. What is the player's condition?
- An old wound. He had acquired it a month ago. It's noticeable when the load is too high. That's what happened to him after the game. Therefore, it is in the process of recovery. He will return in a week or two and play for his team. Some players who arrived before the tournament came with injuries and participated in the recovery process. Even then, we managed to play all three games through rotations and reached the final. We will prepare seriously for this contest. Because a difficult game awaits us.
- Have you seen Iran's matches at the CAFA Nations Cup? We drew 4 times with this team, now it's time to win. They also come here in high spirits. Your thoughts on this collection.
- We know Iran well. We played a lot. However, we didn't watch their games. Because we were preoccupied with our own games. Although we haven't observed, we know how Iran plays and prepare accordingly. We are at home, we will try to win.
- "After Aziz G'aniyev and Jamshid Iskanderov came on, the team's attacks increased. Usually, our team plays with two midfielders in the center. If you have another attacking teammate next to you as a player, how much will this affect the game?
Otabek Shukurov: - Previously, we struggled with two central midfielders. Because we gave the ball to the opponent and thought a lot about a counter-attack. Right now, Timur and I are working on both the five-defensive and three-central defensive tactics. Having two or three different tactics is convenient for all players. It's better to have different situations for the opponent. We will act according to what the coaches say.
- In October, our national team will play against Uruguay in Malaysia. Is this game your request or a game in the UFA's program?
- We have an international division, and they are looking for games. They make suggestions. The Uruguayan theme had existed for a long time. The Argentina national team theme too. We were supposed to play with them in China, but then it changed. They work and give us options. Then we will make a decision together.
- I wanted to ask about the central defensive line. Several good players are not being called up to this position. For example, the Hamraliyev-Davronov-Aliqulov tandem can also be tested. Overall, have there been more good defenders in Uzbekistan, or has a good generation emerged?
- This is a pleasant situation. Ravshan Haydarov's team also has good defenders. They can also be tested in such tournaments. This will be useful in the future. If there's a shortage of defenders, we can easily put them on the field. Husanov is not playing in the tournament. At such a time, it is necessary to play another defender. If there are many such defenders, they need to be trained. The defenders' level is not bad, but they must continue to grow.
- In the game against Iran, we will play with two strikers. This could be a surprise for them.
- Now it won't be a surprise if I say it (laughs). We'll prepare and watch. We have opinions on this matter. Everything should be fine.
- There's not much time left until the World Cup. Do you have a clear plan for this tournament, or will everything be prepared after the coach's name is announced?
- My current specific plan was for the CAFA tournament. I have no answer about my fate in the team. Everyone sees the situation. It's very difficult to talk about this. Of course, it is necessary to wait until everything is clear. But there are no plans
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