Interview of Vagif Javadov, a former football player of Azerbaijan's national team, to Idman.biz.
- In EURO-2024, they was defeated by Belgium with a score of 0:5. Were you expecting a massive defeat?
- We got a very good result in the game against Sweden. Everyone knew that the trip to Belgium would be difficult. This is normal. They are a very strong team. They also struggled at home. I thought we would show the game in Baku there as well. Unfortunately, this did not happen. The red card effected the rest of the match.
- That is, if Eddy Israfilov had not been removed from the field...
- A football player never wants to receive a red card. But he should also understand that if you have a yellow card, you have to be careful. With a strong opponent, you leave the team with 10 people and increase the advantage of the Belgians.
- The contract of the head coach of the team, Gianni de Biasi, with the national team ends. Do you think he should keep his job?
- AFFA should evaluate the work of the Italian specialist. Personally, I think that we do not succeed with him. I have said this many times.
- What is your attitude to the fact that De Biasi said unpleasant words to journalists at the press conference after the game with Belgium and left the room?
- If a person cannot establish a relationship with the local press for 4 years, he has problems in his professional behavior as a coach. I do not approach this correctly. This creates questions about the ethical behavior and profession of the head coach. Instead, AFFA General Secretary Sarkhan Hajiyev quickly apologized to the journalists, showing his greatness and level. This means that this attitude is only Gianni de Biasi's approach to journalists.
- But if the Italian is sent away, should he be replaced by a foreigner or a local specialist?
- In my opinion, I would say a foreign coach. Azerbaijani specialists are all at work. Of course, I want to have locals. But if they are all in clubs, then a foreign specialist should come. But the future coach must also have authority. He should be able to stand up.
- If Kazakhstan wins over Slovenia in the EURO-2024 qualifying, Azerbaijan will have the right to play in the playoffs of the League of Nations. In that case, we may have another chance to qualify for the European Championship. How much do you believe it?
- First of all, I wish success to Kazakhstan. This is a miracle of football. Both they will qualify for EURO 2024 and we will have a chance to play in the playoffs. Regardless of which team we will face, if such a situation arises, Azerbaijan will be fully prepared for this game.
Emin Aga
Idman.biz
