Kenan Hajiyev, head coach of the Sumgait U-17 team, gave an interview to Offsideplus.az:

How are things going with the team?

Our current results can be considered satisfactory. The main point that pleases me is that the kids are developing character – they do not want to accept defeat. Regardless of the result, our main goal is for them to play professional football in the future. However, it wouldn't be correct to say they develop by constantly losing; they must be raised with a winning spirit. As you know, age 17 is a period where they are on the threshold of senior football. We are doing our best to play a part in their formation as good footballers so that our players can represent the national team in the future.

Speaking of the national team, how are the Sumgait academy products performing in our U-17 squad?

Kamal Zulfiyev is one of the main forwards in the U-17 national team. Besides him, there are several other players who we hope will receive call-ups to the national team in the upcoming training camps.

One of the main advantages of "Sumqayıt" is that the entire club is located at a single base. Seeing the senior team's coaches and players in the hallways must be a great boost for the youth categories...

Absolutely. One of our greatest strengths is the unity of the collective. There is no fragmentation at Sumgait. Even being in the same space as the senior team players is a huge motivation for the younger age groups. Generally, the older age groups are under the supervision of the senior team coaches. They watch our training sessions and keep our players under constant observation. This serves as a great incentive for the kids. Our goal is to promote them to the first team. We see this desire and determination in the players. They see that current first-team players like Nadir Orucov, Vusal Pashayev, and Sabuhi Abdullazade have followed this exact path.

The period up to and including age 17 is considered one of the most difficult stages in a person's life. Many footballers' careers reach a breaking point during these years. How do you support the players at this stage?

Every footballer goes through this period differently: one might be calm, another more emotional, and another irritable. We try to take an individual approach to each one. Individual development within the team is also a focal point; this is more important than the result. At the same time, we place great importance on education. We plan training sessions so they do not interfere with the players' lessons. An educated and well-informed footballer makes more correct and agile decisions on the pitch. We regularly stay in touch with their teachers and class advisors to monitor their attendance and academic performance. I should also mention that every age group in the Academy has its own specific training strategy. For example, the training for the U-10 group differs from the U-17 group technically, tactically, and physically. While the U-10 focuses on technical skills, tactical and physical preparation takes precedence as the age increases. By 17, a footballer has already formed a certain technical foundation. At this stage, we prioritize complex preparation so that the transition to the senior team is seamless. The U-17 and U-19 levels are very close to professional football. Here, we work on tactical behavior both individually and as a team, as well as fast thinking and correct decision-making. Football is a fast and dynamic game, so it is vital for players to decide quickly. Forming a team spirit is also important for us. The footballers must realize the responsibility of representing a large city like Sumgait.

As far as I know, you are competing for the championship...

Yes, we are currently fighting for the top spots.

The season is nearly over. Do you think you can achieve the target set for you?

We still have our chances. We will continue the fight until the end of the season. However, more important to us than the championship is the correct direction of development. If we become champions in the end, that’s wonderful. But our priority is producing footballers.

What are the problems hindering you on this path?

One of our main problems is related to infrastructure. Additionally, matches being held on weekdays sometimes negatively affects education. Ultimately, one of the biggest issues is the condition of the stadiums. Junior age groups sometimes play in stadiums that are dangerous. Even the risk of referees getting injured there is high. A footballer can stay away from football for 5-6 months due to a single injury. We certainly support their treatment and rehabilitation, but the main question is this: why should a footballer have to play and get injured in such conditions?