Interview with Jorge Casquilha, Head coach of Imishli participating in the 2025/26 Premier League season.
- Welcome to Azerbaijan. How did you become the head coach of “Imishli”? What attracted you to this offer?
- I had been working as a coach in the Czech Republic, at “Znojmo.” The league that team played in was weaker than the Azerbaijan Premier League. I received an offer from “Imishli.” I spoke with the club president Kamran Bey and thank him especially. He provided me the opportunity to prove myself. I want to build a good team. Working here is an achievement for me.
- You didn’t mention what specifically attracted you. Some coaches say the club has a good project, and they choose it for that reason. Others accept such offers to prove themselves. Which is true for you?
- Considering both reasons, I accepted “Imishli”’s offer. Honestly, I want to prove myself. I didn’t get many chances in Portugal. I want to establish myself as a coach here in Azerbaijan. I want to show the media and those in Portugal that I can succeed as a coach. The offer from “Imishli” was a big opportunity for me. Moreover, the president convinced me that their project is significant and large. I thought I could justify their trust. I bear full responsibility for the team, which is additional motivation to prove myself. The Azerbaijan championship is developing. I see it as a competition. If my team succeeds, I will have won.
- You will be the first Portuguese coach working in the Azerbaijan Premier League. Many players from Portugal have succeeded here. What about coaches? Can a Portuguese expert have a successful career in Azerbaijan?
- Of course! Every coach wants to succeed where they work. We will introduce innovations in the Premier League. Our team is being built differently, which will affect our style of play. The current conditions satisfy me. It’s time to show my abilities. We must demonstrate that “Imishli” is a distinct team. I strongly believe in this. Our performance will bring uniqueness to the Premier League.
- Foreign coaches in the Premier League often say they need time when results aren’t good. You have been with the team for almost two months. The season starts in 20 days. Will this time be enough to assemble the team you want?
- It’s impossible to form a team in two months. But my goal is clear. I want to instill my philosophy, ideas, and tactics in the team. That takes time. Football is not about results in three months. Football is about winning on match day. Of course, all teams want to win. A victory greatly motivates players. We want a successful start to the season. It will strengthen the team’s unity and boost confidence. A good start will help us better implement our plans and thinking, not make excuses.
- “Imishli” achieved success in the First League using a 5-4-1 formation. Will you continue with it? What tactical formation will you use?
- We are building a new team, so the tactical formation will change. However, I won’t disclose which one we will use. Everything here is being built from scratch. I will apply my philosophy. With a formation that suits it, “Imishli” will compete in the Premier League.
- Some players from the First League squad remain, and new players have been transferred. How ready is the team for the Premier League? How many more transfers are needed for 100% readiness?
- If I had joined mid-season, I would need time to adapt players. The team’s philosophy would be different. But we are building “Imishli” from zero. I choose players who can fully execute my tasks. I have great hopes for local players. We select foreigners who will benefit “İmişli.” There’s a long marathon ahead. I’m forming a squad accordingly. But I can’t say now how ready we are. Everything will become clear once the season starts.
- The AFFA Executive Committee gave “Imishli” a one-year grace period to complete its stadium and facilities. So, you won’t be able to host home games in your hometown for a long time? Won’t this negatively affect your work?
- Naturally, playing at our home stadium would benefit us more. Playing before a large crowd would give us an advantage. But we must accept things we can’t change. However, “Imishli” fans will support us at home games no matter where we are based. I want even one fan to come to our matches. We will play for those whose hearts beat for “Imishli.” Yes, it will be hard. But I’m preparing the team mentally for it. We must be strong. We have goals. We must achieve successful results to reach them. Other issues will resolve with time.
- Your appointment wasn’t warmly received by the Azerbaijani media and football community. Many say “Imishli” should hire a local coach. Some think Jorge Casquilha’ results won’t be satisfactory. This negatively affects the fans. What would you say to your supporters?
- I came here at the invitation of the club president. He believed in me and trusted me. I believe in myself too. I have experience. In Portugal, I promoted teams three times from lower leagues to higher championships. I achieved all goals set before me. When I met with management, I listened carefully to their plans. We have to build a team from scratch. Our goal isn’t just to stay in the Premier League. Naturally, it wouldn’t be right to say we aim for the top three. We are playing for the top eight. For this, we are forming a foundational squad. Fans and the football community can rest easy. When they see “Imishli”’s good results, they will appreciate my and management’s work.
- Rumors say that your arrival to “Imishli” was due to the recommendation of our national team coach Fernando Santos. According to information we have, he was asked about you and said he doesn’t know any such coach...
- That’s false information. Fernando Santos is one of Portugal’s best coaches. But I don’t know him personally. Rest assured, I didn’t come here on his recommendation. Kamran Bey contacted my agent. We talked, agreed, and I started working here. It’s that simple.
- “Imishli” doesn’t yet have a fully ready stadium, base, or academy. You say your goal is to finish in the top eight. Won’t these shortcomings make your job difficult?
- Look! The situation isn’t ideal. I know all the problems you mentioned. My job is to build a proper team. The club management is working to solve these issues. These problems will be resolved sooner or later. If I don’t form a good team as a coach, those issues won’t matter much. I have to build a strong squad. Yes, everything isn’t perfect. But these are not global problems because the management is addressing them. Initial steps toward an academy have already been taken. The main staff is forming. I will also work with my experience to make this team strong. We want to work hard. “Imishli” is being rebuilt from zero, from its ashes. Despite all difficulties, everything will be great! I believe in that!
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