Khanlar Aliyev, acting head coach of Azerbaijan Women's Under-16 national team, shared his thoughts on the UEFA Development Tournament to be held in Baku.
The specialist told the AFFA press service that the team is ready for the games: “We have been in a training camp since April 30. We are satisfied with the team's preparation. I believe that we will see the fruits of this with a positive result in tomorrow's game. As you know, after the qualifying round of the last European Championship, those born in 2009 moved to the upper age group. We have invited mainly players born in 2010-2011 for the tournament. There are those who are in the national team for the first time. It is a new experience for them. The team's psychological state and approach to training are good.”
Aliyev also expressed his thoughts about the opponents: “In this tournament, we will have the opportunity to see the latest status of new players. It is a good chance for them to show themselves. We have analyzed the opponents. Romania competed in League A in the qualifying round of the last European Championship. Georgia is a familiar opponent for us. We have prepared well for the match against Lithuania, our first opponent. The tournament is very important for us in terms of the development of the players. We will give everyone a chance.”
He added that the team needs the support of the fans: “Holding the tournament in Baku is an additional advantage for us. My request to the fans is to come to our games and support the girls. The qualifying round of the European Championship awaits us ahead. The UEFA Development Tournament is also intended to prepare for that competition.”
Note that within the framework of the UEFA U-16 Development Tournament, they will face Lithuania on May 6, Romania on May 8, and Georgia on May 11. The games will take place at Bina Stadium.
