Offsideplus.az presents this interview with reference to "Report" ...
- After Albania, you chose the Azerbaijani national team. How did everything happen?
- I have been separated from Italy for more than 10 years. Either these two countries allowed me to do my job, or I took this step to try myself in another team.
- Couldn't you do this in Italy?
- Except for some exceptions, no. Coaching is hard work. You can't live it as a bet. Nothing can be changed overnight in a casino. You have to convey your outlook on life to the world, to football, to the team. If everything is always temporary, how can this be done?
- Are you satisfied with your life in Azerbaijan?
- Before the Azerbaijani national team, I turned down several offers in Italy. Because I didn't want everything to end quickly again. Other teams were also looking for me. But at that time I was already in Baku. This city surprised me in a good way. I am satisfied with everything in Baku. I have a beautiful house on the shores of the Caspian Sea. I would even say that this is the best house I have ever lived in. I also have a translator who studied in Rome for 6 years and speaks Italian at a fantastic level. I watch the championship matches live for two days.
- Thats it?
- There are 8 teams in the Premier League. I watch a total of 4 games on Saturdays and Sundays, and I celebrate the talented players for myself. On the other hand, except for one person, all members of the national team play in the domestic championship. I found that one person (meaning Anatoly Nuriyev - ES) in Ukraine.
- Will it be possible to build a good team from these players?
- When Albania hosted the national team, it was ranked 83rd in the FIFA rankings. I promoted them to 22nd place. We even stopped fighting for a cursed goal in the European Championship. This success can be repeated. My players are young and want to develop. I try to change their view of football, to explain that it is a really serious game.
- Will they not be excited when they see Cristiano Ronaldo up close?
- The game against not only Cristiano, but also the Portuguese national team will be an incentive for my players. True, the opponent is strong, he can be a world champion. But I instructed my players not to be afraid of Ronaldo and to be active. Otherwise, we will only have to watch their game.
- What does AFFA demand from you?
- I have to change the mindset of the players and increase the whole football movement. Azerbaijan has a good football infrastructure. Baku has a modern Olympic stadium with a capacity of 70,000 fans. This is an ideal environment for big business. But you have to be able to excite them.