Interview with Orkhan Aliyev, who transferred to Kyrgyzstan’s Ozgon club after leaving Turan Tovuz, by Sportal.az
Why didn’t you stay at Turan Tovuz? Especially since this club even paid a transfer fee to Kapaz for you in the winter. Could you have stayed at Turan Tovuz?
Of course, I could have easily stayed at Turan Tovuz because I still had a one-year contract with the club. It was my decision.
Did Kurban Berdyev trust you enough, or did he not give you many chances, and that’s why you left?
Maybe my move to Turan Tovuz wasn’t very successful. But Kurban Berdyev is one of the best specialists I’ve wanted to work with. Unfortunately, in football, things don’t always go as you want. But I’ll tell you, before making my decision, I consulted with him. He said very nice things about me that motivated me even more. I thank Kurban Berdyev for his understanding.
Do you think Turan Tovuz will qualify for European competitions this season?
I hope Turan Tovuz will qualify for European competitions this season. I wish them success.
You have transferred to Kyrgyzstan’s Ozgon club. What can you say about the transfer? Was the offer only from the Kyrgyz club?
No, I also received offers from Azerbaijani clubs, but the conditions didn’t match. I also had invitations from other Kyrgyz clubs. My manager, Gvanzav Magomedov, proposed the option to move to Ozgon. They interested me with their conditions. Moreover, the club management and coaching staff wanted to see me in their club. After that, naturally, the transfer was made.
What will be your main goal at the Kyrgyz club? Under what conditions did you join this team?
The team is playing in the top league for the first time. There aren’t very high goals set. But we have a good team. I think by the end of the season, we will show ourselves in the best light.
This summer, many Azerbaijani footballers went to Kyrgyzstan. What do you think this is related to? Do Kyrgyz clubs trust Azerbaijani players that much?
You can see how many Azerbaijanis have come to Kyrgyzstan. They can show themselves in the best way here. This is a good opportunity for them. As you know, almost all these players were brought here by my manager and close friend Gvanzav Magomedov.
How do you assess the level of Kyrgyz football and the championship? Is it below Azerbaijan’s level?
If we compare the level of football in Azerbaijan and Kyrgyzstan, Kyrgyzstan’s football is still behind. But football here is developing very quickly, and I think soon there will be good quality football here. The president of Kyrgyzstan and the head of the Kyrgyz Football Federation pay great attention to football development. Look, last season there were 10 teams in the top league, this season 14, and from the new season, it is expected to have 16 clubs. There’s no need to say more; everything is obvious.
You scored in your debut game against Asiagoal, and you won 2-0. What can you say about that?
I’m glad I scored in my debut match. We won, which is a special joy. But everything is just starting now. I still have a lot to work on because I have big goals. You can’t stop here. You have to work hard and look forward. Everything will work out.
Idman.biz
