Abduqodir Husanov's coach in the youth team — about the competition in “Manchester City” and the player's character
The living legend of Uzbek football, currently active as a coach and official, Azamat Abduraimov has a paternal relationship with Abduqodir Husanov, the young star of “Manchester City.” He has been working with the player since he was 14 years old and trained him in the Uzbekistan youth national team. In an interview with the publication “Fergana,” the specialist spoke about Husanov's development process and his future.
— Qodir joined our team at a time when it was being restructured. At that time, he played in the midfield and was an important part of the main lineup. His long-distance passing was good. He lacked height, but he grew rapidly at the age of 15, resulting in him suffering from Shlyatter disease (which usually develops in athletes due to pressure on the knee bones. — “Fergana” note). Therefore, after consulting with his father, Xikmat Hoshimov, we decided not to call him up to the national team for several months. Later, Qodir's body strengthened, and before the competition in Minsk in 2019, I brought him back to the team, appointed him captain, and moved him to defense. At that time, he was in good shape both in terms of height and physical condition, and his speed was also high. I specifically raised the test results for ages 14, 15, and 16 — the growth dynamics were amazing. At 16, Qodir was one of the best players in terms of distance speed. He wasn't as strong in sprints (short speed), but his anthropometric characteristics should be taken into account.
— What do you think is the formula for success?
— Qodir's father, Xikmat Hoshimov, who also played for the national team, has a significant contribution to his becoming a high-level football player. Secondly, Qodir missed the Uzbekistan championship and went to the Belarusian team “Energetik-BGU,” where he was trusted and started playing in the main lineup at the age of 18. He would not have been given such an opportunity in his homeland. Despite being a graduate of the “Bunyodkor” academy, the main team coaches did not see him, and he was not even called up to the bench.
Another important aspect is that Husanov gained significant experience by participating in youth and junior national teams. Today, the establishment of the teams institute at the AFU is a significant step in the development of children's and youth football in the country.
— Is Husanov struggling with the lack of playing practice at “Manchester City”?
— I am in constant contact with his father. Recently, he returned from England and said that the “City” coach Guardiola does not want to let him go anywhere — neither selling nor loaning him. He conducts many training sessions with him. Qodir himself understands this and does not want to leave. Xikmat said that “City” is a school of life for Qodir. Even if he does not play, if he is training and attracting Guardiola's attention — that is a big deal.
Qodir is a quiet boy, but football is his life. He has never had a disciplinary problem. He was also a captain for me. Therefore, I am not surprised by the good attitude towards him — whether at “City,” “Lans,” the Uzbekistan national team, or “Energetik.” He is hardworking. Guardiola himself has also emphasized this.
— Why did Guardiola stop trusting him?
— I cannot call this “lack of trust.” Every coach primarily considers the interests of the team. In January, the team was unstable, there were many problems. Issues related to health, changes in the system. Now stability has emerged. O'Rayli started playing on the wing, Yoshko Gvardiol moved to the center. Now he plays with two central defenders. They do not want to change them. The main players are delivering results — so no one is going to “give up the good we have.”
Husanov is currently not in the main lineup, but I think this is a temporary situation.
In April, after Husanov remained on the bench, reports circulated on English fan forums that he had offended Guardiola. Allegedly, when Guardiola called him “champ” (champion) because he could not speak English well, he replied, “you're champ too.” However, this sounded like “shampun” (shampoo). Due to Guardiola's baldness, it was supposedly taken as an insult.
— So, is the story about shampoo and baldness untrue?
— Baseless talk. Even if Qodir said something wrong, a polite and mature Guardiola would not pay attention to it. However, we thought the only situation that could upset Qodir might be when Pep placed him in a wide defensive position against “Real” in the CHL. Against Vinicius. This position does not suit Husanov. He claims that Vinicius is very fast and can only be stopped from a distance. Therefore, he struggled a lot.
— Some say: “He has no passing ability.”
— No. His passes are great. He played as a midfielder. He can read the game and assess the field correctly. He has all the qualities for a combinational game. Don't forget: he is only 21 years old. Guardiola's school is the foundation for him to become a high-level player in the future.
— Has he played with two central defenders?
— Yes, this is important. “City” is now playing with two central defenders. He has less space on the field. The competition is tough.
However, Husanov has played in the central quartet at “City,” “Lans,” and in the national team as well. It was the same in my team. To say that the defense was only supported by those next to him is incorrect. On the contrary — he was the “cleaner.” Even at “City.” There was a “hole” in defense. In any case, it is easier to play with three defenders. However, Husanov can also play in a two.
— Will he stay at “City”?
— This depends on whether Guardiola stays or not. If he stays, he will not let Husanov go. Even if there is a lack of playing practice now, he will play in the national team. If they qualify for the World Cup — this excitement will make everyone forget everything. This is their dream, and they will achieve it.
— So, did his return to Uzbekistan have an impact?
— Perhaps it had an impact. The club also noticed this. A written request was sent to the AFU regarding photo sessions and protection from fans. Such “internal interference” is not tolerated in big football. Giving gifts, getting married — all of this was made very clear. The influence of both was visible. Including in the game against Iran — he received passing grades. If you open the internet, there is nothing but Husanov's “adventures” in Tashkent.
We are certainly proud. But we must understand what kind of pressure he is under. I believe he has left that journey behind and it has been a lesson for both him and the AFU. Even when Shomurodov went to Italy, there was no such activity.
— He is getting married soon. Will this have an impact?
— The wedding, which will take place in Tashkent, is certainly a special event that every footballer goes through. The body will readjust, family life may impose additional responsibilities. But I think at his age, he will get through it easier than anyone else. Qodir is no longer a teenager but a physically and mentally developed athlete and man. At the same time, one cannot exclude the potential emotional impact, after all, a wedding is an important event. But I know Qodir. He cannot be tested. He does not suffer from star disease and does not listen to the praises said about him.
Aleksandr Troitskiy
