Uzbekistan national team head coach Fabio Cannavaro spoke at the press conference ahead of the match against Uruguay, sharing his thoughts on the team’s preparation and expectations. According to him, this game will be a real test for the team on the world stage.
“First of all, I want to thank everyone for attending. We arrived in Malaysia yesterday, held recovery training, and are now fully focused on the match against Uruguay.
It will be a different game compared to previous ones — we’re facing one of the strongest teams in the world and one of the most experienced coaches, Marcelo Bielsa. The match won’t be easy, but we are driven not by fear, but by motivation. We aim to show our football and fight for every moment,” Cannavaro said.
He emphasized that despite it being a friendly match, the team will give their all:
“Such matches are important to showcase our potential. We’ll try to control the ball more — you can’t afford to give Uruguay chances. At the World Cup, we’ll face teams of this caliber, so every test matters.”
Cannavaro also touched on criticism:
“Criticism is normal in sport. The key is to focus on results and act as one unit. Friendlies are an opportunity, because during the World Cup there won’t be enough time. That’s why we decided not to overload some players.”
He also discussed the team’s long-term plans:
“We have eight months before the World Cup. During this period, we’ll monitor every player and strengthen the squad. At this stage, the most important thing is unity and confidence.”
For reference, the match between Uzbekistan and Uruguay will take place on October 13 at 17:45 Tashkent time.
This match will serve as a mental and tactical test for Cannavaro’s team, and as an international showcase for the players.
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