Head Coach of the Azerbaijan U-15 National Team Taleh Mammadov’s interview with Offsideplus.az
Q: What are the primary goals and specific areas of focus for the U-15 national team?
A: I am fully aware of the great responsibility this position carries. Our junior wrestlers are the core force that shapes the future of Azerbaijani wrestling. Our goal is to prepare and develop them to be tactically, technically, and physically sound, ensuring a smooth transition to older age groups—especially the senior level. We aim to win more medals for our country and teach these kids what it truly means to be a professional athlete.
Q: How do you currently assess the condition of the team?
A: This age group is unique because new children join every year. Unlike the senior teams, we don’t stay with a single athlete for 5 to 10 years; an athlete typically remains in this specific category for a maximum of two years before moving up. This presents its own set of challenges, but we are committed to overcoming them.
Q: Are there any specific wrestlers in the squad whose potential stands out?
A: Yes, we have many promising and talented kids in our team. Among them, two were European silver medalists in previous years. The rest of the squad consists of new, fresh talent.
Q: What are the current pressing issues facing the team?
A: Our only major problem is the shortage of athletes in heavy weight categories and a lack of high-level competition in those classes. We want to do extensive work in this direction. Together with the coaching staff, we intend to focus specifically on the heavyweights. Our goal is to resolve this issue for the future senior levels as well, so that we can raise our own homegrown athletes and eliminate the need for naturalized foreign competitors (legionnaires).
Q: You are working alongside Ilham Vezirov, Azad Aliyev, and Fuad Aydınlı in the U-15 team. What are your expectations from this coaching staff?
A: Ilham Vezirov is senior to us and is one of the leading coaches in the country; he brings immense value to the team. Azad Aliyev and Fuad Aydınlı are coaches who know the fine intricacies of wrestling and possess the patience required to teach children. I am confident that together, we will raise healthy, strong, and well-educated athletes for the future.
Q: What can you tell us about upcoming competitions and the preparation process?
A: The national championship will be held next month. Those who finish in the top three will be called up to the national team. We will then start a training camp in Baku, which will continue with short breaks for two months. During these camps, we will select the final squad for the European Championship and head to Bulgaria for the tournament, which will take place from May 20 to 24.
