Аскар Кельджанов: «QJL is the future of Kazakh football, and we need time to see the results»

Askar Keldzhanov is a man who has dedicated his life to football, following in his father's footsteps. In an interview, he shares his experience working with youth teams, talks about his main achievements in recent years, the difficult decisions he has had to make, and the dream that inspires him every day. As a coach, he is convinced that the development of football in Kazakhstan requires time and effort, but the results will surely come.

 

– Askar Sarsenbekovich, can you tell us how you started your coaching career? What inspired you to become a coach?

– My father, Sarsenbek Koshkeldievich Keldzhanov, was the coach of FC Caspiy and the founder of the club. For many years, he led the team, and I decided to follow in his footsteps. In 2003, I began coaching at the Football Youth Sports School (SDYuShOR). My first graduating class consisted of players born in 1994. That same year, I was invited to work at FC Caspiy.

 

– How would you assess your journey with the QJ League team Caspiy? What moments have been the most memorable for you?

– The last two years have been among the best in my career. Last year, I was the assistant coach of the QJ national team in a match against SuperBol, and this year, I led the QJ team in a game against Crvena Zvezda. Additionally, this season, Alexander Evgenyevich Kuznetsov invited me to become an assistant coach for the Kazakhstan U19 national team.

As for the Caspiy U18 team, our standings in the tournament table weren’t the highest, but our style of play caught the attention of specialists and analysts. We remained true to our playing philosophy and continued to develop it. The most memorable moment was undoubtedly the match against Crvena Zvezda. I want to thank the entire QJL team for organizing this wonderful football celebration.

 

– You were offered the position of head coach for the main Caspiy team, but you declined. Why did you make that decision?

– Two days before the match against Crvena Zvezda, I was offered the position of head coach for FC Caspiy. However, the main reason for my decision to decline was the Kazakhstan U19 national team. I wanted to travel with the team to the qualifying stage of the European Championship, and I do not regret this decision. It was my father’s dream to see me as the coach of the Kazakhstan national team, and it has become my dream as well. I am immensely grateful to Alexander Evgenyevich Kuznetsov for giving me the opportunity to make it a reality.

 

– Was it a difficult decision? How did the players and the club's management react?

– It was one of the most difficult decisions of my life. The club's management was very understanding and fully supported my choice.

 

– Is there a chance that you might reconsider your decision in the future?

– I think if I am ever entrusted with leading my home club again, I will take on that challenge. Recently, we got new management — Nurtas Malikovich Kurgulin. He supported the creation of the Caspiy M team, which will compete in the second league, and appointed me as the head coach. The core of this team will consist of players born in 2005–2007 who have played in the QJL over the past two years. I would like to thank the regional management and Nurtas Malikovich personally for their trust and support.

 

– The Caspiy team demonstrates bright and engaging gameplay. What do you think is the key to their success?

– I believe the main reason is the players' attitude toward their work. QJL has created conditions where it simply cannot be otherwise. Additionally, our style of play draws the attention of specialists.

 

– What kind of atmosphere do you create within the team? How do you work on team spirit?

– For me, as a coach, the atmosphere within the team is of key importance. I am inspired by the example of Magomed Musaevich Adiev, the head coach of the Kazakhstan national team. His motivational words in the locker room have become a crucial factor for the team. The locker room is the heart of the collective.

 

– Caspiy finished seventh this season. How do you evaluate this result? What goals did you set at the start of the season?

– Seventh place does not satisfy us; we were aiming to finish in the top three. However, this season has taught us important lessons.

 

– What goals are you setting for the team next season? Are there ambitions to climb higher?

– Next season, I will be working with the Caspiy M team in the second league. I hope our younger players, born in 2008, 2009, and 2010, will deliver strong results. These players have great potential.

 

– How do you evaluate the use of the FF Manager platform? Which of its features are the most useful?

– We started using the FF Manager platform at the end of the season. It’s a powerful tool for coaches. It includes microcycles, training plans, playing styles, and exercises that can be adapted or created independently. This system helps coaches grow and prepare their teams effectively. QJL is making a tremendous contribution to the future of Kazakh football. We just need time — 5–7 years — and we will see significant results.

 

– You participated in both online and offline seminars organized by the League. How would you assess the quality of these events?

– The League’s seminars are held at the highest level. I would like to thank Arsen Inkarbekov and the entire SAB team for their excellent organization. We gained a lot of valuable information that helps in our work.