Elvin Mammadov says Rui Jorge needs time to shape Azerbaijan U-20

Portuguese coach Rui Jorge needs time to implement his playing philosophy with Azerbaijan’s under-20 national team, Neftchi U-17 head coach Elvin Mammadov said.

The former Azerbaijan international said he had watched the U-20 team’s friendly matches against Moldova and Japan and that their performance had made a positive impression on him. Mammadov said regular international friendlies were important for helping players gain experience.

He said most of the players compete in the reserve teams’ championship and that each of them represents the future of Azerbaijani football. Mammadov noted that taking part in the World Cup would create significant opportunities for both the national team and individual players. Players competing in the tournament, he said, would attract scouts’ attention.

Azerbaijan’s U-20 team lost 1-0 to Moldova in its first friendly, played in Gabala. The match against Japan ended goalless in regulation time, with Azerbaijan winning 5-4 in the penalty shootout.