“I would like to thank the head coach of the senior national team, Fernando Santos, for organizing the friendly test match. Although we were at full strength, some players from the senior team were not in the camp because they were involved in the final of the Azerbaijan Cup. Both teams tested all their players. Being on the pitch with the senior national team players was extra motivation for our players. Holding such test matches is beneficial for the players.”

According to Offsideplus.az, these words were said by Ayxan Abbasov, the head coach of the Azerbaijan U-21 national football team.

Speaking to AFFA’s press service, the 43-year-old coach emphasized that they aim to win the upcoming friendly matches against Belarus (June 4, away) and Montenegro (June 8, at Mehdi Huseynzade Stadium in Sumqayit):

“This is our second training camp with the U-21 team. Our first camp was held in Antalya. We have some new players in the squad. With each camp, we want to improve more as a team. The fact that our opponents in the friendlies are higher in the rankings is good for us. Playing against strong teams only has a positive impact. We’ll face Belarus away and Montenegro at home. Considering there will be both home and away matches in the qualifiers, we must get used to that. We will fight to win both games. The players must be focused on achieving the best possible result on the field. These matches will also help the players gain international experience.”

Ayxan Abbasov also noted that they have analyzed the Belarus and Montenegro teams:

“I can only say positive things about our opponents. I watched Belarus’s last two friendly matches. They defeated North Macedonia in Antalya and Turkey in Istanbul. Especially their U-21 team has developed significantly in recent years. As for Montenegro, most of their players play abroad as legionnaires. In short, they are interesting opponents. Facing such teams will help with our development.”