Famil Khalilov: Azerbaijan U-16 team will fight to win every match

Azerbaijan U-16 head coach Famil Khalilov has assessed his team’s preparations for the FIFA U-15 World Cup and Festival, which will be held in Baku. He said in an interview that the team’s ambitions go beyond simply taking part in the tournament.

According to Khalilov, 21 players are currently being considered, while tournament regulations allow 14 players to be named in the squad. The final lineup will be decided shortly before the tournament based on the results of the final training sessions. The coach said the selection would be difficult, but that the most prepared players would be chosen.

The team’s preparations are proceeding according to plan. Khalilov said the players were in good physical and psychological condition and that, despite some nerves ahead of the tournament, the team remained motivated. In his view, the squad is ready for the competition.

“Our goal is not simply to participate, but to fight for victory in every match until the final second,” the head coach said. He added that the team respected its opponents while remaining confident in its own abilities.

Khalilov said the World Cup would give young players international experience and help coaches identify areas for further development. He said information about the opponents was limited, but the available material was being analyzed, with the main focus on the team’s own game.