After the World Cup, we chose the path of giving more opportunities to young people - Cannavaro
The head coach of the Uzbekistan national team, Fabio Cannavaro, said that despite the 0-2 defeat against South Korea, he was satisfied with the performance shown by the team. The Italian specialist also noted that after the World Cup, the process of gradually rejuvenating the national team has begun.
**After the World Cup, we chose the path of giving more opportunities to the youth — Cannavaro**
The head coach of the Uzbekistan national team, Fabio Cannavaro, shared his thoughts after the friendly match against South Korea (0:2).
- It was a very good match. Regarding the result, of course, we regret it, but in terms of the quality of play, our team performed decently. We tasked the players with causing as many difficulties for the opponent as possible. We managed to create many chances in both halves of the match. In matches against strong opponents, even small details determine the final result.
- First of all, I demanded that the players take the field with confidence. We understood well that playing a match of this level on the opponent's pitch is not easy. To return with a victory, all aspects of the game had to be at a high level. This, above all, means high intensity, active movement, and ball control.
- As a result, we were able to demonstrate a certain part of these aspects in practice. We created many goal-scoring opportunities during the match. Considering South Korea's number of shots on target, in my opinion, they created only two serious threats. In the chances we created, the opponent's goalkeeper made a number of key saves. This was one of the main reasons why we could not convert the opportunities we created. Nevertheless, this is football. We will continue to look for ways to further develop and improve our team in the future.
- After being appointed to the team, I decided not to make major changes to the squad until the World Cup. During that period, rather than making radical changes, we considered it appropriate to continue the work carried out by the previous head coach. Because it was that very team that achieved the important result of qualifying for the World Cup.
- After the World Cup, we started to implement certain changes in the team. In particular, we chose the path of giving more opportunities to young players. The Uzbekistan Football Association pays great attention to youth football and is investing significantly in this direction. Taking into account that the necessary infrastructure and conditions are also being created, we deemed it correct to implement gradual changes in the team. Currently, this process is continuing consistently. Today's match also allowed our young players to gain great experience in a match against a strong opponent.
- In the end, the most important factor is the mental preparation of the players and a single philosophy based on demonstrating high-level football. I believe that if we move consistently in this direction, we will be able to achieve the goals we have set for ourselves.