Ulugbek Irismetov: “Freedom QJ League helps us a lot in the UEFA Youth League”

Head coach Ulugbek Irismetov answered questions from the Telegram channel «На связи САБ».

– How do you assess your opponent in the first round? What kind of match should the fans expect?

– The opponent is experienced; they have been playing in the Youth League for three years, going through the first and second stages. Of course, the team changes every year as younger boys join. Their players are taller, they like physical football, and there is fighting on almost every part of the pitch. They are physically prepared. But we play at home, and here in the south our boys are fiery: we will make it uncomfortable for them and fight in every zone.

Our southern football is more technical, tactically more vertical. Our boys are individually skilled and work better with the ball. The weather is warm, we train more on grass. We will use everything that can help us.

– We see Makhmudov among the players preparing for the match. Has his experience of the QJL All Star game against Atlético Madrid helped him?

– Basically, our core squad is made up of players born in 2006–2007 who also play in the Second League. That’s more adult football – decisions are taken faster than in the Freedom QJ League, you barely get any time because there is constant pressing.

I also watched players born in 2008–2009. As for Makhmudov – yes, he is clearly a good lad, combative. He still needs to learn tactically a bit. You can tell he played against Atlético, he has that experience. But he’s still young, lacks the game time that our Second League players have. Still, he should help us – we plan to use him on the wing: he can dribble and run.

– For most players, this will be their debut at such a level. How important is the balance between individual skill, tactics, and mentality?

– Everything matters! Individual mastery is important, tactical readiness too, and mental strength. In these matches you can see their psychological preparedness: for example, not to be afraid of taller opponents, to push themselves. They will face different tactics, different systems, different styles of play. It’s in such matches that players truly grow!

– What would you like to say to the fans?

– Of course, let them come and support the team. The Champions League will take place in Shymkent, even if it’s youth. I believe it will be a good game.

Freedom QJ League helped us a lot with the match organization, it will be a show. You can feel the experience and processes are in place. It’s really nice to get such support. We also use the smart camera provided for League matches to analyze training sessions.

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