As part of the 6th round of the Super League, the match between “Kokand-1912” and “Nasaf” (1:1) was memorable not only for the battle on the field but also for the emotions in the technical area. The post-match press conference featuring the “dragons” head coach Ro‘ziqul Berdiev took place in a rather heated atmosphere. Zamin.uz presents the most controversial and important moments of this encounter.
According to the coach, the second half was played in a more nervous and tense manner. He noted that in the first half the hosts were more active, while in the second half “Nasaf” increased attacking pressure and managed to open the scoring. “If Zafarmurod had converted his chance, perhaps these emotions would not have arisen. Both teams fought for victory, I think the game was enjoyable for the fans,” said Berdiev.
Refereeing and an unexpected red card
The penalty awarded in the second half caused strong dissatisfaction in the “Nasaf” camp. Ro‘ziqul Berdiev explained the reasons for stepping onto the field and his subsequent dismissal as follows:
“The second half was very tense. In my opinion, the referee made a mistake in awarding the penalty. I went onto the field not to argue with the referee, but to calm down captain Umar Eshmurodov. I did not want him to get a red card due to emotions. However, the referee misunderstood my actions and showed me a red card,” said the coach.
Why has Nasaf’s attacking style changed?
Responding to fans’ questions about the team’s previously dynamic and high-scoring style, Berdiev pointed to tactical changes:
- Squad difference: The current squad is fundamentally different from the one 5–6 years ago.
- Lack of wingers: Due to the absence of wide attacking players, the team has adapted its system to play through the center.
- Objective: Despite this, “Nasaf” aims to fight for top positions in every match.
Injuries and the problem of a “thin” bench
The busy April schedule has become a serious test for “Nasaf.” The injury of main goalkeeper Abduvohid Ne’matov at the end of the match raised concerns within the coaching staff:
- Ne’matov’s condition: According to preliminary assessments, the injury does not appear serious, but the final diagnosis will be known after medical examination.
- Losses: Issues with Davronov and G‘aybullayev have shown how limited the squad depth is. According to Berdiev, losing any key player is a major setback for the team.
Respect for the opponent
Berdiev highly praised the physical conditioning of “Kokand-1912.” According to him, this team stands out for its activity in the final minutes of matches. In previous games, they also managed to achieve results at the end. “This shows their strong physical preparation. However, today in the second half the hosts looked a bit more passive, perhaps due to our pressure,” said the coach.
Berdiev did not hide that the tight schedule and player injuries are creating serious challenges for the team. He noted that due to the limited squad, they are sometimes forced to give opportunities to young players. “Every player is important for us. After each match, we pay special attention to recovery,” he concluded.
This match once again showed that competition in the Super League is intense, the fight continues until the final minutes, and results can be decided at the very end.
Dear football fans, in your opinion, does “Nasaf” lack stability in the title race? How much did the referee’s decision and Ro‘ziqul Berdiev’s dismissal affect the outcome of the match?
