Renowned Portuguese coach José Morais, who has worked alongside José Mourinho at elite clubs such as FC Porto, Inter Milan, Real Madrid, and Chelsea, is currently head coach of Bodrumspor in Turkiye.
In an exclusive interview with AZERTAC, Morais shared his thoughts on Azerbaijani football, the national team's prospects, and the possibility of working in Azerbaijan in the future, Idman.biz reports.
– Your fellow countryman Fernando Santos is currently leading the Azerbaijani national team. How do you evaluate his work so far?
- Santos is a highly experienced coach. He made a name for himself as a tactically disciplined manager with a strong defensive setup, particularly during his time with the Portuguese and Greek national teams. To be honest, the current Azerbaijani squad lacks players with top-level experience, and even the best tactical strategies can’t yield immediate results without time.
– Which tactical approach do you think could help the team moving forward?
- Santos prefers a fast-paced, reactive style of play, which requires high concentration and disciplined defenders. Unfortunately, I don’t think Azerbaijan currently has defenders who can consistently meet those demands.
– What’s needed to improve this?
- Most Azerbaijani players don’t play for major European clubs. Many are still playing domestically or in lower-tier leagues abroad. To develop, they need international experience. Playing abroad can greatly benefit the national team.
– Do you believe Santos will have a long-term positive impact on Azerbaijani football?
- New players or coaches need time to adapt to a team. Santos is capable of instilling tactical discipline and improving the image of Azerbaijani football. But again, patience is key.
– Azerbaijan is in the same World Cup qualifying group as France, Ukraine, and Iceland. How would you assess their chances?
- In the short term, it’s unrealistic to expect Azerbaijan to compete with a powerhouse like France. However, facing teams like Ukraine offers valuable experience and a chance to set more achievable goals. I believe Santos’ experience can benefit the team over time.
– Do you follow Azerbaijani football?
- Yes, I’m quite familiar with Qarabag and Neftchi. Both clubs have consistently competed in European competitions, which shows that there is potential in the country.
– Would you consider an offer from an Azerbaijani club or the national team?
- Absolutely. I’m open to considering any offers from Azerbaijan.
Idman.biz
