Former head coach of the Azerbaijani national football team, Aghasalim Mirjavadov, shared his thoughts on the recent “Legends Cup” match between Neftchi 2000s and “Premier League Coaches”, organized by the Azerbaijan Minifootball Federation.
Speaking to Report, Mirjavadov described the match as a spectacular event, full of energy and passion, Idman.biz reports.
“It was a wonderful game. I believe the upcoming World Cup will attract more fans to stadiums. My impressions are very positive. I saw some players I hadn’t met for 6–7 months. We reminisced about past games and memories. Everyone wanted to play. Preparation was necessary, of course—I even told the guys to try to meet and play once or twice a week, but we didn’t have time to train together as a team beforehand. Most of the coaches are currently working with clubs. What I really liked was how intense the game was. The players were motivated and played hard, but at the same time helped each other up when someone fell. That kind of camaraderie is important and shows the bond still remains,” he said.
The coach, who holds the prestigious Shohrat Order, said he didn’t want to single out any player:
“I didn’t make any predictions before the game. Honestly, to get results, players would need at least two to three weeks of training. Some hadn’t played for two to three months due to work. I wouldn’t want to highlight anyone individually, but those who are still active in club coaching were naturally in better shape. Overall, I liked the atmosphere and the players’ attitude.”
Mirjavadov also commented on the refereeing:
“Yes, there were a few complaints about decisions, but let’s not forget—these referees haven’t officiated in years. There’s a huge difference between observing from the outside and actually being on the pitch. Still, they did well and performed within their roles.”
Asked about the possibility of another such match, Mirjavadov said:
“No official word yet, but organizing such matches more often would be a great initiative. It’s definitely something to be appreciated. I’m sure we’ll meet with the veterans again and plan accordingly, considering everyone’s availability. Some have tight schedules and can’t easily take time off work. But one thing is clear—every single veteran still has a deep love for football. You could feel it during the match. After the final whistle, I personally congratulated each of them.”
The match, held by the Azerbaijan Minifootball Federation, ended in a 1–1 draw in regular time. In the penalty shootout, “Premier League Coaches” secured a 3–2 victory. The Neftchi 2000s team was led by Aghasalim Mirjavadov, while Kurban Berdyev (currently at Turan Tovuz) managed the “Premier League Coaches”.
Idman.biz
