The head coach of the national team of Uzbekistan, Srečko Katanec, took part in a press conference before the friendly matches with the national teams of Cameroon and Costa Rica.
"Two very difficult matches await us. Top teams participating in the World Cup. We have not played against such teams before. I'm not worried, but it's interesting to see how we’ll play. I watched their games; very good teams.
We need to be careful and focused. Recently, I observed the national league games; national legionnaires. There is a lot of work to do. We'll see how they perform in two games at this level.
In my opinion, the quality of players like Shakhboz Umarov and Oston Orunov is high. They are still young and can help the national team in the short term. Some players have reached the age of 30 but have not yet played for the national team.
I still closely observe the players, they need to work hard to improve.
We cannot call up any player to the national team to face strong teams. I think that my players, who are not called up to the national team now, are not required for these friendly matches, but in the future they may be called up to the national team. There are still difficult games ahead.
I have always respected all players. Everyone has their own opinion. For example, Jamshid Iskandarov, who is playing well in the championship, may not be able to show himself in the match against Cameroon.
The smallest player in the Cameroon national team is 1.80 cm. A match against a physically very strong national team awaits. They are fast, they are strong, and they play in Europe. I think it is appropriate to involve the players who were not called up to the national team in the games before the Asian Cup. Maybe they will be called to the November meetings. If the players are in good form, they will be given a chance.
We have a responsibility. I think I can see better than you (journalists) who is really a good performer. You're right about a player who has played well all year waiting for an opportunity in November, but what can a coach do about it? I know that a coach cannot win a journalist. That's all. Whatever I say now will have a different opinion. Because journalists always have an argument. I respect your work, I'm doing mine too." Katanec concludes.
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