Temur Kapadze: "Whoever is in optimal shape, whoever can help the team, they are here"
As part of the "JCH-2026" qualifiers, the Uzbekistan national team will play against the Kyrgyz Republic on March 20 and against Iran on March 25. Currently, the "white wolves" are continuing their preparations in Tashkent ahead of the match against our neighbors.
Timur Kapadze, who took over the team after Srechko Katanets, answered questions from journalists ahead of his first official match with the national team. Here are his thoughts.
- Hello. As you can see, today is our first day. Not all the guys have arrived. There are only two days left for preparation. We plan to see the entire preparation tomorrow evening. Also, everyone is in different conditions. Husniddin is a big loss, but in football, you have to be ready for everything.
- What is the condition of Sherzod Nasrullayev?
- Sherzod Nasrullayev also has an injury. Today, we will see his condition early.
- A new coach has joined the coaching staff. What can you say about that?
- He is not a new coach; we have worked together in the Olympic team. He is my assistant and will help me during the training process.
- Has anyone been sent to observe the game against Iran?
- No one will go specifically. Our team knows Iran well. We will also have time to study them.
- The first match against the Kyrgyz Republic was not easy. Do you expect it to be difficult this time as well?
- Of course, it will not be easy. There have been no easy victories in any match at this stage. The Kyrgyz Republic is our neighbor, and they prepare well in terms of motivation. They have their own goals. We will also play on our home ground and will do our best to win.
- Aliqulov and Turg‘unboyev were not called up due to injuries. Were the remaining legionnaires not invited to the camp according to the coaching staff's decision?
- The guys in Turkey are due to injuries. The others were not called up according to the coaching staff's decision. We looked, observed, and made the selection. It is not possible to invite everyone to the camp. Whoever is in optimal shape, whoever can help the team, they are here.
