Dmitry Vasilyev on Kazakhstan U17’s success: “We must continue to work hard”

Freedom QJ League analyst Dmitry Vasilyev, who took part in the team’s preparation, spoke in detail about this historic achievement.

– Congratulations on reaching the elite round! What key factors do you consider decisive in the team’s successful performance?

– Thank you! First of all, I want to highlight the team’s discipline both on and off the pitch. The players were fully committed to following the game plan despite strong opponents. They showed unity and the desire to win in every match.

Secondly, the coaching staff’s detailed preparation played a crucial role: high-quality opponent analysis, a well-structured training process aimed at strengthening our game model, and proper workload management.

I want to acknowledge everyone’s contribution. Goalkeeper coach Yuri Novikov did excellent work with the goalkeeping unit. Igor Soloshenko worked with the defensive line and set-pieces. Askhat Kusayinov handled training analysis and fitness loads at a high level.

During the preparation phase, and later remotely, Vladimir Nikitenko played an important role by sharing his experience and providing support. Team doctor Nursultan Bolatbekov and massage therapist Stanislav Vedler ensured that no player suffered injuries or was unprepared for the matches. Thanks to team manager Anuar Zhandarbekov and administrator Chingis Omirbayev, there were no organizational issues or disruptions. All of this was coordinated under head coach Bauyrzhan Sagyndyk.

I’d also like to highlight the internal atmosphere. The interaction between players and staff, support from the KFF, and the clubs helping players maintain form after the season — all these elements came together.

– What was your personal role?

– My work was at the intersection of coaching and analytics. I was responsible for analyzing opponents and our own game: preparing video materials, identifying strengths and weaknesses, and highlighting key aspects in transition phases. I also helped adapt the training plan to specific matches based on the opponent’s style and our condition.

– How did your Freedom QJ League experience help?

– The key factor was our experience in international matches within the League. Our preparation for the game against Atlético Madrid helped the QJL All Star team perform well. Because of that experience, I was ready for many things.

– What does reaching the elite round mean to you as a specialist?

– It confirms that Kazakhstan has talented young players capable of competing internationally.

The changes introduced by the KFF are producing real results, and the conditions created by the Freedom QJ League greatly support player development. But this is only the next step. We must continue to work hard.

– How do you assess the Freedom QJ League’s contribution?

– All players of the national team take part in the League, some for the second season already. So the contribution is clearly positive: comfortable conditions for playing and training, the ability to use analytics for development and evaluation — all of this matters.

– What would be an “ideal result” in the elite round?

– The ideal result is when our players match any opponent in intensity, bravery, and tactical-technical readiness — and our game looks fully competitive at that level. That’s what we should strive for in preparation.