Idman.biz interview of Alexander Revva, the head coach of the Azerbaijan national team consisting of women's handball players
- We lost to North Macedonia in the second game in the qualifying round of EURO-2024 (22:37). What prevented you to win at home?
- North Macedonia is a team at the European level. They always play in continental and world championships. Unfortunately, there were losses in our staff. Mekhpara Aliyeva and Sabina Smagina could not participate in the game. Smagina is the only left-handed player in our team, others tried to replace her in the match. You can be satisfied with the first 15-17 minutes of the match, but then we played badly. The leader of our team, Kamila Bayramova, was ill at the meeting and could not play her usual game.
- Our team is in the last place in the group. What do you think accounts for such a poor result?
- We do not have a strong championship to be in the right place. We have very few intense games at the national level. Handball players who are always in strong championships show themselves in a good way. The federation provides the necessary support, but the players are too few. As a head coach, I have difficulty in choosing.
- Who can you "distinguish" in defeat?
- I can't explain it. We will talk to them. The girls tried until the 17th minute, but then they made stupid mistakes. If we want to win, we must overcome such shortcomings.
- You will play your last match in the group against Spain on April 7. What are your thoughts on the meeting with the leader?
- We have very little time to prepare for the match, and it will be a very difficult flight. They are first in our group, a very strong team. It is one of the best 7 teams in Europe. I hope our girls will not wash their hands. This is the last game of our national team for this year. The next competition will be held in 2025.
- You called the Spaniards strong. But will there be any special tactics against this opponent?
- We prepare for 2 hours every day. Unfortunately, there is very little time left for the match. We gather a week before the game. But, of course, one exercise is not enough, and we have problems in the combination. However, it is not correct to load handball players in the only preparation.
Banuchichek Huseynli
Idman.biz
