Vusal Isgandarli, currently playing for Albania’s Partizani, has shared his thoughts on not being called up to the Azerbaijan national team.
The 30-year-old player told Teleqraf that he agrees with national team head coach Fernando Santos' position, Idman.biz reports.
According to him, the Portuguese coach is right: “Santos is absolutely right. Head coach Ufuk Kahraman at Boluspor played me on the right and left sides of midfield, at left-back, and even as a central forward. Whereas previously, when I was at Keshla (now Shamakhi), head coach Tarlan Ahmadov only gave me chances on the right and left sides of midfield. When the coach who brought me to Boluspor, Yalcin Kosukavak, returned to the team in February, he realized I could play in any position and started using me as a right-back.”
Isgandarli also added that, as a regular starter for his new team, he expects a call-up to the national team: “I’m aware of Santos’ statement that players who aren’t playing regularly for their clubs won’t be invited to the national team. That’s why I’ve set a goal to earn a recall by playing regularly for my club. Right now, I’m working on resolving an issue with my international passport. I hope I’ll be called up for the matches in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers starting in September.”
Vusal Isgandarli last wore the Azerbaijan national team jersey in a friendly match against Albania on June 7 of last year. He came on in the 59th minute of the match, which ended in a 3–1 loss for Azerbaijan. The 30-year-old player signed a 1+1 year contract with Albanian club Partizani this summer. He played his first official match for his new club in the UEFA Conference League first qualifying round at home against Estonia’s Nomme Kalju. Due to visa issues, he couldn’t take part in the away match but played the full 90 minutes in the return leg. The first leg ended 1–1 in regulation time, while the away match finished 0–0. In extra time, Isgandarli’s team conceded and was eliminated from the European competition.
Idman.biz
