The Navbahor vs. Qizilqum match, part of the 23rd round of the Super League, was held in Namangan, and the hosts secured a minimal 1-0 victory. At the post-match press conference, the visitors' coach, Akmal Rustamov, shared his thoughts.
The experienced coach noted that the match was very full of chances and scoring opportunities were adequately created. "We prepared very thoroughly after the game against Nasaf. In this match, whichever team scored the first goal was more likely to win. In the first half, we had two or three chances to score, but we missed the last shot. "Navbahor's effective use of the opportunity ensured that fate favored the hosts," said Rustamov.
When asked whether the team could not play as strongly as before in the second half, he replied: "I disagree with this opinion. Mentally, our guys were in a normal state. There is only a short time span from game to game and the effect of a long journey. We were also close to victory, and if we had converted the chances from the first half into goals, the result could have been completely different. Fortune has turned away from us."
The coach also addressed the issue of allowing young players to play due to injuries. "Nikola Kumburovich and Ilkhom Vakhobov were injured. Therefore, we fearlessly gave a chance to a number of young players from the U-21 team. If they prove themselves in such matches, then in the future they can also be in the starting lineup," Rustamov added.
When asked about the legionnaires' performance, he said: "We had three legionnaires on the field - Roman Papariga, Jaba Jigauri, and Dushan Miyich. At the end of the second half, they showed signs of fatigue, but I was satisfied with their overall condition. I thank not only them, but all the players."
The coach also commented on the question about whether the change of coach at "Navbahor" affected the plans: "It's natural in football that when a coach leaves, someone else comes in his place. It didn't have a big impact on our plans, we had to show our game anyway," he said.
Touching upon the championship issue, Rustamov said: "There are still eight rounds ahead. It's difficult to say anything definitive about this. "Nasaf" is fighting on two fronts, it will be harder for them. Neftchi doesn't have such difficulties. So, time will tell," he concluded.
Thus, the "Qizilqum" coach acknowledged that there were many positive aspects in the team's efforts, but they were defeated due to a lack of luck.
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