Abbasov says Emreli was active as others lacked confidence

Azerbaijan head coach Ayxan Abbasov has assessed the team’s performance in the UEFA Nations League. He said the main aim in the first four matches was to avoid defeat, with the focus then shifting to winning. Abbasov said he was pleased with the players’ approach during the 15-day training camp and their determination to fight for a victory.

The coach said the draw at home against Liechtenstein had a psychological effect on the team. While acknowledging that Azerbaijan should have won that match, Abbasov praised the players for refocusing on the game against Lithuania over the following three days.

In Abbasov’s view, the national team has limited experience playing as the “first number,” or taking the initiative in a match, and games against weaker opponents are not enough to address that shortcoming. He said the strikers’ form affected the results: Mahir Emreli had been playing regularly and scoring for his club, while other players had lost confidence because they were getting little playing time and not scoring for their clubs.

Abbasov said developing local players requires investment in academies, coach education and the wider system. Without suitable pitches, training facilities and nutrition, he said, it is difficult to expect coaches to develop players to European standards. Asked which player from a past era he would choose for the current national team, Abbasov named Zaur Tagizade.

Context

Azerbaijan beat Lithuania 1-0 in the UEFA Nations League on October 4.