The head coach of the Uzbekistan national team, Fabio Cannavaro, shared his thoughts on preparations for the World Cup, problems and shortcomings, opponents, and other issues.
- As a footballer, you participated in the World Cup. Now, as a coach, you are going to the World Cup with Uzbekistan. What is the main difference between participating as a coach and a player?
- Participating in major competitions as a coach or player is a completely different matter. If you are a coach, you should think not only about yourself, but about the whole team. You can't be with the team every day in the national team. You can't always gather them together, because players spend more time with their clubs. Therefore, first of all, it is necessary to find the right solution to the situation. For example, it is very important to meet them, talk to them, make them feel that they are part of your project.For example, we are holding a meeting in Dubai. But most of our players are in their clubs. Nevertheless, I try to call, talk, and stay in touch with each of them. Yes, of course, it's not easy. But we need to understand: we will participate in the World Cup. Therefore, everything is very important.
- Uzbekistan is participating in the World Championship for the first time in its history. What responsibility and motivation does this give you?
- You know, the first World Cup is, first of all, a great experience. A great opportunity for both the players and the team. Fans also expect good results from his team. Because this is the world championship in name only. Making a debut at the World Cup is, of course, a new stage for us, a new experience. There are many aspects here that we need to learn, grow, and gain experience.Yes, of course, we will face strong national teams. We are at the World Cup, and this gives us a lot of experience. By participating in the competition, we will only win. That is, we will gain enormous experience and lose nothing. Therefore, we must enter the field confidently and enjoy the game. But at the same time, we must not forget one thing: we must never give up and fight until the last second. This is the World Cup. We should enjoy it, but at the same time, give it our all at every moment.
- Do your friends, compatriots, and representatives of the generation that played football together with you ask about the Uzbekistan national team?
- Yes, we'll talk about this, of course. Because now everyone is interested in Uzbekistan. You know, from the perspective of the World Cup, we are a new team for many. The association is growing in Asia. And the players gradually began to show themselves in Europe. This is, of course, a natural process. Therefore, there is interest in Uzbek football. People are interested, asking: how are you working, how is the process organized? This is a normal situation, of course, and I'm not surprised.
- You led the Uzbekistan national team in several matches as head coach. What impression did you make on the team during this period, and what do you consider to be the most important aspect of the preparation process for the World Cup?
- You know, the most important thing is not to lose the system left by the previous coaches, their work. The preservation of this foundation is very important. But at the same time, we are trying to develop, to improve some small aspects. These changes may seem minor, but they are of great importance on the field. I know for sure that the team has a character. We have fighter-type players, and I really like this. We need to work together, play together, and if necessary, stand together against difficulties. These are the most important things for me. I've seen this spirit in every game we've played so far.Another important aspect is that players need to play fearlessly on the field. I want them to enjoy football and not be afraid to make mistakes. They need to try to do something on the field. If we only think about defense, about the struggle for "selection..." Yes, this is also necessary. We know this. It is necessary to fight. But if we want to win the game, we must create a situation. And to try to do something, to create a situation, one shouldn't be afraid to play football.
- The World Cup is not an ordinary tournament. To what extent should football players be mentally prepared for such a competition?
- You know, we have to take an individual approach to this issue. Understand, every footballer is different. Everyone's organism, preparation, and mentality are different. But everyone needs to understand one thing: we won't be ready by May or June just by pressing one button. This requires time, proper preparation, and attitude. I spoke with the players about this. We have trainers on physical training, specialists on diet and proper nutrition. In general, a team of good specialists is working in the team. Therefore, every footballer needs to understand: we must start thinking about the World Cup now. Because in five months, an extremely important tournament will begin for us.
- You participated in the World Cup draw ceremony. Tell us about our group and plans for preparing for these meetings.
- Yes, as everyone knows, playing against teams like Colombia and Portugal is certainly not easy. They are top national teams. It has top players and high-level players. At such times, of course, there can be some excitement. But at the same time, we also know our capabilities, our strengths. There is no easy opponent in the world championship. We also faced strong opponents in the draw. Even, for example, the Congo may join our group. Most of their players play in the English Premier League. So, this doesn't mean it will be easy either. Most importantly, we are creating history. We should be happy and proud to be here. At the same time, we must be able to enjoy the World Cup and gain experience from it. Of course, we believe in our own strength, and time will tell what happens on the field.
- You won the 2006 World Cup with your national team. What aspects of your captaincy and football experience from that World Cup are useful to you as a coach today?
- You know, the most important thing is that we all have one goal, one philosophy. Most importantly, the team must be one, one family. If someone goes to the World Cup and thinks they will win the game individually, this is impossible. The main thing in such competitions is teamwork. This is the main difference between an ordinary team and top-level teams. Being a team doesn't just mean giving motivational speeches before the game or encouraging each other during the game. No. It means working together always, in any situation, believing in what you are doing, in the coach's idea, and striving for a common goal. This is the most important thing for me.
- The FIFA Series tournament is scheduled for March. Your opinion on this competition.
- Yes, this competition will be the next stage of our preparation for the World Cup. In this training camp, we will try to add something new to our game and preparation plan. However, due to time constraints, we may not have time to change many things. This is the difference between a club coach and a national team coach. You will have only ten days. And during this time, you need to find the most necessary things that will help the team and instill this in the players. It's always like that. When the opportunity arises, we try to add details that will benefit the team. And the preparations will continue as usual.We will hold a training camp in Tashkent, at our home, at our base. There we will try to improve not only the game on the field, but also all the processes around the team. We have one team on the field - these are the players. However, there is another team outside the field: the coaching staff, specialists, and staff. It is important that they are always ready, working shoulder to shoulder with the team that will take the field.I believe that tournaments like the FIFA Series help me understand the team and our game. Even through mistakes. Making mistakes is important because it is through mistakes that you achieve growth. Two matches await us ahead. I think there will be real competition against strong teams.
- In January, a training camp was held with the participation of football candidates for the national team. What aspects were the main attention paid to at this meeting, and what were its goals?
- This meeting was very important for me and my staff. Over the past four months, we have watched a lot of matches in the domestic championship. We saw more players, and this training camp created an opportunity to work directly with them. I spoke with each player individually. Because I also want to know their opinion. I explained to them that we have both the World Cup and the Asian Cup ahead of us, so everyone needs to be ready.Every footballer should feel like a part of the national team's project. Because everything changes quickly in football. Two or three injuries are quite possible. For example, unfortunately, a number of our players have suffered injuries. Therefore, the players must understand that everyone has the opportunity to participate in the World Cup. I think this training camp was very useful for the players. In such gatherings, I don't prioritize results. We played a match against China. Yes, there were mistakes, but I saw the players fight without giving up until the last second. This very spirit is the most important thing for the team.
- Recently, you also visited Saudi Arabia to watch the U-23 national team, and three young players were involved in the training camp. What criteria are prioritized when selecting young players?
- Yes, that's actually the most important thing for me. It's not about age, it's about quality. What matters is not the age of the footballer, but his talent, his character as a fighter. If a player is 17 or 19 years old and ready, then they must be in the national team. Why should we just keep him in the U-20, U-23 team because he's younger? If I go to see a game, it's not just a visit. I want to see the player with my own eyes, in real situations, on the field. Because even when I'm away, I love going to stadiums. Nothing is enough to watch the game live. To be honest, it's boring for me to sit at home and watch several videos in a row. I prefer to go to the stadium and watch the player directly. Because sometimes there are very small details, and you can't see them in the video. It is precisely these little details that later turn out to be very important.
- How does Uzbek football differ from the football of the countries where you previously played and worked as a coach?
- Yes, it's incomparable. But one of the most important aspects is the intensity of the game. Intensiveness doesn't just mean running on the field. This means taking the right and intelligent position, running correctly, being physically and tactically prepared for the high tempo of the game. It's natural for different coaches to have different philosophies. But the players must come to the national team ready. They are required to be physically and functionally ready and capable of playing at a high tempo for 90 minutes.
- The World Cup is a big stage for young football players. What should they pay attention to in overcoming pressure and fully realizing their potential?
- Yes, there is one thing. Young people don't need to prove anything to anyone. The main thing is to enjoy the game. Because you don't have to prove anything to anyone. When you try to show off, you experience pressure and it becomes easier to make mistakes. If you play football with pleasure, you will feel more free. Yes, you can make mistakes, but you feel free and can show your true game. This is what I always demand from players. Football is balance, equilibrium. One should play with the ball, play without the ball. Both should have a balance. If you only think about how to play beautifully with the ball, for example, "tiki-taka," like the Brazilian style... But when you lose the ball, it's very difficult if you don't act, if you don't show the thirst and struggle to get the ball inside you. Therefore, we need a balance sheet. We must understand that every game will be difficult. If we want to win, we must fight until the last second.
- Plans ahead?
- My main goal is to develop the team's game. Share my experience with the players. I want them to understand this. We help them every day through training and interaction. In this meeting, I saw many shortcomings. In particular, the players are making minor mistakes while receiving the ball. Such small details affect the game and make it difficult. If we do even the smallest details correctly, everything will be easy and convenient. Football is such a game that you need to learn to read situations in advance. I want the players to read the situation better. I like the players who not only play on the field, but something is happening in the game, who constantly monitor it, scan the field, and are ready for the next move before receiving the ball. A footballer must always be in the game, that is, within it. Because the situation can change every second. It is important to work on such details and convey them to the players.We have a big competition ahead - the World Cup. Throughout the World Cup, all the fans will follow us. Because this is a long-awaited tournament. We have 3-4 months to prepare. Thank you all. See you at the World Cup.
Source: UFA Press Service
Read “Zamin” on Telegram!
