What will Temur Kapadze change in the national team? (interview)

The Uzbekistan national team will participate in 2 matches in March as part of the World Cup qualifiers. Following an agreement due to Katanes' health issues, Temur Kapadze was appointed in his place. "Daryo" conducted an interview with the head coach of the Uzbekistan national team ahead of these important matches. Below we present this interview for your attention.

About the trip to Antalya

Currently, almost all of our team is holding a training camp in Antalya. I also went to Turkey to see the games organized by our clubs and to witness the condition of the players myself. Our teams played matches almost every day, and I tried to attend as many games as possible. Since it is currently the winter break, many players are not in optimal shape, so I cannot provide a clear opinion based on the training camps. During the matches, I talked with club coaches about players who are worthy of the national team. During the trip, I closely monitored the performance of some players and can say that I drew necessary conclusions for myself. The most important thing is that the teams are preparing well for the new season, and all players are healthy.

About the initial training camp of the national team

You know, this training camp took place in January. Many of our players were just starting their preparations and were not in optimal shape. Additionally, players who are candidates for the national team from the domestic championship were invited for this friendly match. The main goal was to be aware of the current environment in the national team. Because during the training camp in March, we will have very little time, and we need to find answers to questions about what can be changed in the national team by that time. There were many new players in this training camp, and I reached a clear conclusion about their condition.

The reason I gave little time to the players who were called up for the first time is not due to a lack of confidence in them, but rather to evaluate all the players in the squad. I tried to play the entire squad at maximum capacity. Even if some players could not perform at their level, we cannot blame them. Because this is the national team. It is natural for everyone to feel excitement when wearing its jersey.

^{Photo: UFA}
Another main reason is that during the winter training camp, the Super League season has ended, and many are just returning from vacation to training, which will certainly have a serious impact on the game. Also, the level of the national team and the Super League matches is completely different. To be suitable for it, more time is needed.

About legionnaires

I am in contact with each of our legionnaires. I try to get information about their current condition almost every day. All of them are in good physical shape. However, the injuries of two of our players in the Iranian championship may cause some concern.

Recently, I spoke with Jaloliddin Masharipov. I asked about his current condition, when he would return, and how long it would take for him to recover. As far as I know, his current form is good, and he is undergoing individual training. I hope that if the doctors give the green light, he will be on the field in the next match.

The same thoughts can be expressed about Oston O‘runov. True, his condition is more serious than Masharipov's, but when I spoke with him, he said he was feeling much better than before. As far as I know, he will also return to group training in the near future. The sooner he recovers, the better for us, but I don't think we should take risks. For this reason, we need to consult with the doctor and then take the next step.

I rejected the offer from "Aqtobe"

It is true that I received offers from many clubs. If I mention names, representatives of "Aqtobe" contacted me. You know, I played for this club in Kazakhstan. Therefore, they had confidence in me. But at that time, I was with the Olympic national team. For this reason, I rejected their offer.

I don't want to change much

I signed a contract with the Uzbekistan national team until the end of the year, specifically until November. However, I must say that no contract plays a role for me. Because this is the national team. Everything happened very quickly. When Srechko Katanes realized he could not be with the team, he had to ask for resignation from the management. Therefore, I did not pay much attention to how long the agreement lasts or what it is like.

I believe there should always be balance in the national team. The national team played a bit defensively under Katanes, while I prefer a more attacking style of play. However, every coach has their own plans for victory. Therefore, our views may differ. Considering the limited time, I cannot say that I will change many things in the team. We will analyze the previous games, and if something needs to be added, we will do so while striving to achieve our main goal. I believe our players' skills and potential are quite high. I trust that they can fulfill the tasks assigned to them. Given that we have little time before the match, we will come up with the best option in consultation with the coaching staff and the players.

About Katanes' assistants

It was my decision to keep Srechko Katanes' assistant coaches in the staff. Because they have been working with the national team for three and a half years and know the internal situation better than I do. When the federation leaders asked for my opinion on this matter, I said I would announce my decision after the gathering in Qatar. Later, I spoke with them, asked questions, and conducted training with them. I realized that they are all professional. If new coaches need to be added to the staff, there is no problem at all. We will implement everything in agreement with the management.

^{Photo: UFA}
About candidate players for the national team

For me, every player is a candidate for the national team. If a player's potential is high, whether they play abroad or in our Super League, they will always be among the candidates for the national team. Based on the current situation, we are forced to analyze which player is a candidate for this position and make a decision. In official matches, we can utilize the services of 23 or 24 players. Therefore, we will try to call the most deserving ones.

Throwing new players into the fire is a big risk

During the three and a half years that Katanes worked, he also invited Azizjon G‘aniyev or Ikromjon Aliboyev to the national team camp. I think there must have been some aspects that did not match, which is why he did not involve them in another squad. Of course, this is his decision, and others should respect it. As for me, I am closely monitoring the performances of all candidate players for the national team. I must mention that our time is very limited right now. We will gather three days before the official matches and have to play quickly. Bringing in new players and throwing them into the fire without testing them is a big risk.

However, players who have previously played or have played in the championship in recent years will be included in the expanded squad. We will invite them to the gathering as soon as possible. We may see new players in the squad for the matches against Kyrgyz Republic and Iran. But it would also be a mistake to consider them new, as many made their debut in the national team during the gathering in Qatar, while others have previously played in the national team jersey. We will consult with the coaching staff and announce the final decision.

^{Photo: UFA}
What position will Abbosbek Fayzullayev play?

Abbos Fayzullayev plays in various positions for CSKA and the National team. I try to make the most of the player's strengths. Abbos' ability to play in different positions is an advantage for him and the national team. We will make decisions based on the tactics chosen for the team game. Because now CSKA is also testing various tactics. Right now, it is not about that; we hope more for the players to come to the gathering in good shape and health. If we encounter difficulties in selecting the main squad for the game, this will certainly be considered an advantage for us and the national team.