Timur Kapadze's goals for the trip, the national team, his assistants, and Khusanov (interview)
Our Uzbekistan national team head coach Timur Kapadze is currently in Antalya. Here, several Super League clubs are holding training camps for the new season. Yesterday, we had a brief conversation with Kapadze, who came to watch the match involving "Andijan".
- What is your goal for the trip to Antalya?
- You know, our clubs are currently preparing for the new season in Antalya. I came to see them. I am observing the training processes and talking to the coaches about the players' situations. I am also watching and selecting players myself. I understand that the teams and players are not at their maximum form right now. Almost every day, two or three of our teams are playing. I try to attend each match, see how they are doing, and ask the coaches the questions I am interested in.
- Recently, you returned from a training camp in Qatar as our national team coach. How did you start your work with the main team?
- As you saw, everything happened quickly. The time was tight. My first task was to analyze. We assessed the players called up for the camp based on our established criteria. You know, our main matches are in March. This camp was beneficial for me. Because we have time to get started and make adjustments, and if we need to add something, we will do that too. Overall, it was beneficial for me. Everything is in place. I am not a new person for our national team. I have seen and observed the camps.
- You kept Katanes' assistant coaches in your staff. Was this your decision?
- It was my decision. They have been working with the national team for a long time. They had already prepared programs for training before the Qatar camp. During the camp, I talked to them, asking questions about how and what. Because I thought about the main matches in March, and we will have little time to make changes. The coaches in the national team have also worked hard. I understood their wishes as well. I spoke with the players, and I saw for myself. Since almost everyone was in place, I made that decision.
- Abduqodir Husanov's transfer to Manchester City is beneficial for our national team. What can you say as his coach?
- I was very happy; it’s great. Everyone was excited. I believe that the invitation of an Uzbek player by one of the best clubs in the world, and even being called by Guardiola himself, is a testament to Abduqodir's value. I think this is just the beginning. Husanov has enough potential. They didn't take him for nothing. I believe it is a significant plus for our football as well. I am hearing from agents or acquaintances that other talented young Uzbeks are being noticed in England. This is great for publicity. Abduqodir has opened the way for the upcoming young players.
