Following one of the intense matches in Uzbek football between "Bunyodkor" and "Andijon" (1:3), the hosts' head coach Ilyos Zeytullayev participated in the second part of the press conference, sharing open and sincere thoughts regarding the team's current situation.
The coach primarily focused on the team's psychological state and existing difficulties. He noted with regret that whether "Bunyodkor" wins or loses, the situation seems indifferent to many. At the same time, he stated that every effort is being made to save the team and ensure stability. “We are in a difficult situation right now, but despite this, the players and coaching staff are giving their all,” he said.
According to Ilyos Zeytullayev, the last two matches have been quite painful for the team, leading to instances of nervousness. He attributed this not only to physical but also to psychological factors. Furthermore, he emphasized the importance of performing well in the upcoming two matches and mentioned that he would consider his future plans, including a potential trip to Italy.
When asked by journalists about the team's results amid financial problems, the coach responded candidly. He congratulated the opponents, "Andijon," on a well-deserved victory, noting their well-formed and experienced squad. “There is no secret or magic here. Whoever works hard and maintains a professional approach achieves results,” he stated.
Additionally, the coach mentioned the significant workload on the team, noting that matches in short intervals are exhausting the players, which affects their performance on the field. He expressed gratitude to the coaching staff and facility personnel, thanking everyone working under these difficult conditions.
Regarding financial issues, Ilyos Zeytullayev did not hide the reality. He reminded that players are ordinary people with families, debts, and personal problems. “This is also a business. There are players receiving no salary, yet others may profit through them. I believe this situation will change,” the coach said.
Reflecting on the match details, Zeytullayev highlighted that the team had opportunities, specifically noting that a missed penalty when the score was 0:1 changed the course of the match. In his opinion, if the score had been equalized, the game could have followed a completely different scenario.
Nevertheless, the coach expressed confidence in the team's potential. According to him, the squad includes talented players capable of reaching the national team level. The harmony between youth and experienced players is seen as a positive signal for the future. In particular, Shahboz Umarov's performance on the field received special recognition.
In conclusion, the "Bunyodkor" head coach emphasized that the team is currently operating under difficult circumstances, but despite all challenges, they continue to strive forward. He expressed hope that the situation would change for the better after the end of the first round.
In short, although "Bunyodkor" is undergoing severe trials today, confidence and effort remain within the team. Thus, everything is still to play for.
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