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Fuad Esedov: Azeri squad has no nationalized player

29 March 2007 16:13 (UTC +04:00)

AFFA secretary-general Fuad Esedov interviewed by APA-Sport

-Did you expect Azeri squad to win Finland?
-The victory over Finland proved once more that Azerbaijan has and will have football. This victory showed that Azerbaijan keeps its traditions. As for the game, it is impossible to predict any encounter in football. Our players were in depression after the defeat by Poland. During the three days after it all including AFFA leadership, playersâ€™ parents, and club coaches met with the squad and talked to them. I mean these guys always need care and support. I mean moral support. The media can raise their spirit by writing various articles about single player. But a number of media published unpleasant articles about the coach and players after the match against Poland. No country has such attitude to its own team. Turkish squad had failed to pass to 2006 world championship after the match with Switzerland. But they didnâ€™t face any critical statement. Instead, fans keep inspiring the squad. This is the way football should be. I want to say that no one needs criticizing statements.
- Will the team be able to prove in the match against Poland that this victbory was not achieved by coincidence?
- We should perform in June 2 as resolute as in the match with Finland. The team should prepare very hard and revenge Poland. Azeri media should raise playersâ€™ fighting spirit in order to achieve further victories and beautiful performance.
- There were football veterans among those criticizing the national squad. They had stated that they were going to appeal to President Ilham Aliyev if the team lost this encounter...
- I think no one cares about the opinion of veterans now. Their time has gone.
- Does it mean they are not needed as veterans?
- We respect veterans. We meet and talk to them. They all have place in Azerbaijani football. But no one needs such statements, comments or opinions about the persons in football. I think both society and the media agree with me. I advise to tear such writings before publishing them. The match with Finland showed that Azeri squad can play. If they play satisfactory, no one even those calling themselves experts should interfere in it.
- What was the main reason of three defeats by Poland with high scores?
- It is connected with complex condition of the team. Azeri team fails to throw negative psychological condition after a 0-8 defeat be Poland. Though the team had prepared for March-24 match the goals scored within first 4 minutes â€œbrokeâ€ the players. Thatâ€™s why the team couldnâ€™t pull itself together till the end. Besides, some players, especially goalkeeper Jahangir Hesenzade made serious mistakes. Such blunders are unacceptable in the official matches.
- Is there any friendly match before the encounter against Poland in Baku?
- We cannot afford it because April and May are the busiest months. National championship finishes in late May. Thatâ€™s why most difficult matches take place in these months. In this condition we cannot take the players from the clubs.
- You stated last year that nationalized players of the squad will be reduced in number...
- There is no nationalised player in Azerbaijan. What Armenian, Georgian, Lezgi or Russian can say he is an Azerbaijani? A man from other country comes to Azerbaijan and received its citizenship. The law allows it. It is not my authority to increase or reduce their number.
- Have Azerbaijani and Armenian Football Federations agreed on the place of the match between the two countries?
- First we need UEFAâ€™s decision on the issue. Then we are going to reach an agreement. /APA-Sport/