A new stage is beginning in the life of the Uzbekistan national futsal team. Famous Spanish specialist Jose Maria Mendes has been appointed as the new head coach of the Uzbekistan national team. A two-year contract has been signed between the Uzbekistan Futsal Federation and the coach. This decision sparked both interest and hope among the fans - because Mendes is not a "stranger" to us.
Third return: familiar person, familiar philosophy
Mendes is well known to futsal fans in Uzbekistan. He has previously managed our national team twice: in 2011-2012 and 2014-2017. Most importantly, there is a result: under his leadership, Uzbekistan won a bronze medal at the Asian Championship in 2014 and a silver medal in 2016. Consequently, this assignment is based on "experiment" and "proven result."
Pulpis's path: from goalkeeper to coach
52-year-old Jose Maria Pazos Mendes - Pulpis was born on March 28, 1974, in the city of Lugo, Spain. He also began his futsal career as a goalkeeper for the clubs of his hometown - "Lugo" and "Autos Lobelle."
Interestingly, after the club's head coach resigned in 1996, this role was offered to Mendes. Thus, at the age of 22, he ended his career as a player and took the path of coaching. This decision clearly defined his entire future.
Different clubs, different schools: a wide geography of experience
After two years of work, Mendes began receiving offers from other clubs, and he worked for such teams as "Melila," "Cafe Candelas Lugo," "Valencia," the Croatian "Orcan," as well as "Barcelona." This means different styles, different league characteristics, different demands. For a coach, such a "school" will later be very useful in managing large teams.
Experience of national teams: Thailand, Vietnam, then Uzbekistan
The period associated with Uzbekistan begins after Mendes, who headed the Thai national team in 2008-2009 and the Vietnam national team in 2010. He didn't limit himself to the national team: he also worked for the club "Ardus," which became the national champions in 2016-2017.
Another important aspect is that he founded the youth national team of Uzbekistan, discovered a number of talented futsal players, and gave impetus to their growth. That is, Mendes is known as a coach who thinks not only about the "current result" but also about the "foundation of the future."
2019-2026: New era and great achievements in Thailand
In 2019-2026, he was again in Thailand. As a coach, he is a two-time Asian Cup vice-champion, bronze medalist, as well as the winner of the Asian Club Championship and the Asian Cup Winners' Cup. These results once again demonstrate that he is a truly strong coach.
Now the task is clear: new page, new goals
The Futsal Federation of Uzbekistan expressed confidence that Mendes will open new pages in the history of futsal with the national team. This confidence wasn't taken from thin air: the coach's previous work in Uzbekistan, results, and knowledge of the system - everything is a big plus.
Now what fans expect is simple: order, speed, character, and result in the squad. Mendes has returned - so, in futsal, it's not "reconstruction" that's beginning, but a "new move."
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