Former Azerbaijani national football player Afran Ismayilov shared his unfiltered thoughts with Idman.biz about the recent state of the team.
– The national team suffered a crushing 0-6 defeat against Sweden in the last match of the Nations League. How would you evaluate the game?
– Honestly, we should be thankful it ended there. Sweden could have scored 10 or even 15 goals. What can I say? It was a disgrace. There was nothing resembling football on that field. To put it bluntly, it would’ve been more entertaining if Sweden had played a practice match amongst themselves. They utterly crushed us. It’s heartbreaking. The problem is that the players aren’t putting their hearts into the game. Show some fight—score a goal, even start a scuffle if needed! The opposition did whatever they wanted in our penalty box. We looked helpless, absolutely pathetic.
At 37, after playing in national teams since I was 15-16, I’ve never seen such a weak and disorganized Azerbaijani side.
– Interestingly, you were one of the few who believed Azerbaijan could beat Sweden, predicting a 2-1 victory in Idman.biz's pre-match survey.
– Yes, I said I hoped we’d win because we desperately needed a victory. Everyone knew it would be tough against Sweden, but not like this. They genuinely tormented us. Is Sweden that great? Are they Spain or Brazil?
I’ve always believed the national team is more important than any club. It’s about the flag, the pride, the passion. But what we saw was a team without unity or character. I was ashamed. I had to look away.
– What needs to change? Is there a way forward?
– We need to prepare for League D. Head coach Fernando Santos speaks calmly, refuses to resign, and claims there’s a strategy in place. But what strategy? With whom?
A respectable coach would step down after such defeats. Instead of wasting money on foreign coaches, we should invest in developing local ones with character and vision. Build better infrastructure, focus on youth development, and slowly rebuild. Otherwise, I fear we’ll suffer similar humiliations even in League D.
– Under Gianni De Biasi, some called the squad the best in Azerbaijani history, yet the results didn’t come. Do you see any improvement now?
– That’s a closed chapter for me. I stand by what I’ve said before: most of the current players wouldn’t even make the bench in our time. Sure, they’re talented, but talent alone doesn’t suffice.
– There’s been criticism about the lack of opportunities for young players, but now they seem to be getting their chance. What’s your take?
– Young players alone can’t carry the team. They need experienced leaders beside them—players who can unite the team and inspire on the pitch. Right now, I’m coaching Araz-Nakhchivan, which is second in the Premier League. Yet, deserving players like Bakhtiyar Hasanaliyev and Omar Buludov aren’t called up. Even Gara Garayev, who joined us after a four-month break, is performing exceptionally. Why isn’t he being selected?
– What are your thoughts on the future of the national team?
– I honestly can’t say. It’s upsetting to even talk about. The national team has always been our pride and joy, and no matter what, it should remain so.
Emin Aga
Idman.biz
