The head coach of "Pakhtakor," Pedru Moreyra, and defender Umar Adhamzoda held a press conference ahead of the match against "Al Sadd," which is part of the 8th round of the Elite Asian Champions League.
- Good day to everyone. I am glad to see you all. The game is very important for us. Before I came to this team, I knew that we could assess the current state of the team through these two matches in the Elite Asian Champions League. We tried to show a better game in the match against "Al Gharafa," but the result was poor for us. We aim to win against "Al Sadd," as we may still have chances to advance to the next stage. "Al Sadd" is one of the most decorated and strongest teams in Qatar.
The team is very united, and the players understand each other very well on the field. Our opponent mainly prefers to play "dominant" football. They are also showing good results in the local championship. In the away match against "Al Nassr" in the ACL, the team performed very well. Having worked at "Pakhtakor" for a month, we strive to showcase all our efforts in tomorrow's match.
Umar Adhamzoda
- I think we have prepared well for the game. We will try to win tomorrow and make the fans happy. We have studied the opponent. We know "Al Sadd" and have played against them.
- The chances of "Pakhtakor" advancing to the next stage sharply decreased after the match against "Al Gharafa." In your opinion, if the team can win tomorrow, what are the chances of advancing to the playoff stage?
- "Pakhtakor" should always have the desire to win. I always emphasize this to the players. Umar has heard this many times; he has been playing in every match. As you know, this season will not be easy. We have the game against "Al Sadd" ahead, and we should only think about this match right now. Unlike the match against "Al Gharafa," we need to show an even better game and win. We will try to recover the points we lost in Qatar in tomorrow's match.
We need to continue working on ourselves, taking the results into account, of course. Championship matches are also waiting for us ahead. We have been preparing seriously for the past week. I hope the players will show everything on the field tomorrow.
- "Pakhtakor" has added new players during the transfer window. How satisfied are you with the current squad? For example, more attention has been paid to the attacking line. The defensive line has not been strengthened. If you had the opportunity, which positions would you strengthen further?
- This is our current squad. We can utilize the players we have. When I was invited to this team, I analyzed "Pakhtakor" and studied the club's history. "Pakhtakor" is always a team that aims to win. The club has never been relegated to a lower league. There are talented players in the team. Overall, there are many talented players in Uzbekistan. Just because we have added foreign players to our squad does not mean we will only play them. We will build a united team consisting of legionnaires and local players. Such a squad will have a good balance. I believe this will also be beneficial for the future.
- "Pakhtakor" has only participated in one official match so far. The Super League will start in March. Qatar's "Stars League" is currently in its most intense phase. How much could the lack of regular game practice in "Pakhtakor" affect the result of tomorrow's match? How significant could this aspect be in creating a difference between the teams?
- This aspect undoubtedly creates a difference between the teams. The championship is ongoing in Qatar. The most important thing is for each player to perform their duties well. We have shown and explained to Umar and the team what opportunities we have. The players are aware of this. Our intention is to defeat the opponent. I repeat, we have fully prepared for this game over the past week. I hope the players will demonstrate what "Pakhtakor" is capable of on the field tomorrow.
Question to Umar Adhamzoda
- The leader of the "Al Sadd" team and the Qatar national team, Akram Afif, did not come to Tashkent, but the Qatar team recently bought Brazilian player Claudino, who has shown bright performances at "Zenit" for several seasons. Claudino has arrived in Tashkent and is likely to play tomorrow. In my opinion, Claudino's skills are not inferior to Akram Afif's. How difficult could it be for "Pakhtakor" defenders in tomorrow's match? Also, what safety measures have been considered for Claudino during training?
- We did not prepare specifically for Claudino. We focused our main attention on the overall pace of the game and team play. Besides the Brazilian player you mentioned, there are other strong players and legionnaires as well. We aim to secure three points at home. Tomorrow will be an interesting game.
- What could lead to "Pakhtakor" defeating "Al Sadd" tomorrow? For example, cold weather or "Pakhtakor"'s desire to win...
- Every aspect you mentioned will have its impact on the game. If we enter the match tomorrow with good enthusiasm, I am confident we can win. "Al Sadd" has Afif, Claudino, and other strong players in their squad. Our opponent may also have weaknesses. They are also pondering who to field in the starting lineup. We are prepared for all of this. During the game, we can adjust our play based on the opponent's movements. In such matches, every factor has its influence. We need to consolidate all these factors and demonstrate our desire to win. I believe we can achieve this.
I am very pleased with how the players are presenting themselves. I hope our fans will be in a good mood after tomorrow's game. Tomorrow, I will play my first match in Uzbekistan. I am very curious about how my first official game will go. I like the approach and sincerity of the people here towards their work.
Source: championat.asia
