On the eve of the U-17 World Cup, a press conference was held with the participation of the head coach of the Uzbekistan youth national team, Islambek Ismailov, and the footballer, Azizbek Erimbetov.
"The preparation process for the competition was short after the Asian Cup, we prepared with all our resources. "The mood is good, the team is ready," says Islam Ismailov.
"We are one hundred percent ready for the World Cup, I think we can make the fans happy," said Azizbek Yerimbetov.
- Has the UFA set a specific task for you? Is the World Cup the goal?
- We need to look at the situation realistically. A clear championship objective has not been set. But we will have to improve our previous results.
- Today, football has reached the level of a science. Every coach has their own role in this. Won't Islam Ismailov's coaching staff be weak for the World Cup?
- For me, the coaches on my staff are the best. For example, 34 coaches work in Saudi Arabia. What is the result? The result evaluates the coach's work. If the result is bad, then the coaching staff has not worked well. I didn't want to change what was going well. There were no restrictions on this from the UFA. We could have hired a coach. But for me, those who are working now are the best.
- The main burden in the attack falls on Asilbek Aliyev. Nurbek Sarsenbayev has been suspended for three matches. Won't this block the way for other attackers? What is the competition in this regard?
- Nurbek is a player who has brought great benefit to the team. So far, several strikers have been given a chance, but they haven't been able to play at the national team level. Our main goal is to get out of the group stage. We hope that Nurbek will help us in the matches after the group stage.
- Sadriddin Hasanov was also among the AFC's "Best Young Player" nominations. But how do you feel about his candidacy not winning?
- It's good that Sadriddin Hasanov wasn't selected by the AFC as the "Best Young Player of the Year." Because before the World Cup, such recognition could have had a negative impact on his future career. For me, each of my players is the best.
- About the opponents at the World Cup...
- There are no easy opponents at the World Cup. Paraguay defeated Argentina and Chile on its continent. Panama is a physically strong team. Ireland demonstrates European football. We have plans against every opponent.
- About cards and disqualifications...
- After the Asian Cup, we analyzed all aspects, including the issue of cards. This is a transitional period, the players are still young. However, we constantly warn and explain to them. I think that such mistakes will not be repeated at the World Cup. In every game, we set the goal of winning for the players. Many might say that a result is not necessary in a friendly match. The honor of the homeland stands here. Regardless of which scheme or tactics we test, victory comes first.
- Is your tactical team ready? In your interview, you said you want to become a world champion. Do you have the capacity for this?
- We are forced to constantly learn in terms of knowledge. Football doesn't stand still. I'm not a tactically ideal coach. We learn from both foreigners and our own people. I don't know if we have the potential to become world champions. But one day I will achieve my dream.
- Do you also take garlic to the World Cup?
- We've come up with another trick for the World Cup, not garlic (laughs).
- What is the physical condition of the players?
- The physical condition of our football players is constantly monitored. In the Asian Cup, many teams experienced fatigue during the games, while we, on the contrary, improved our physical fitness from game to game. I hope that we will maintain the same situation at the World Cup and achieve positive results.
- The penalty shootout is our weak spot. Is your team ready for penalties?
- The situation in the game with a penalty kick in training is completely different. Therefore, we are currently working on this issue based on a scientific approach and analyzing our competitors. I think we will put an end to this unpleasant tradition.
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