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Uzbekistan
23/09/2008
Kasimov committed to task at hand
Kasimov was appointed Kuruvchi coach in December 2007, just before the Uzbekistan Cup final, but looks likely to step aside following the second leg of the tie against Saipa at MHSK Stadium after being handed the job of Uzbekistan national coach last Friday.
The 38-year-old has been brought in to replace Rauf Inileyev in an effort to revive his country’s flagging World Cup qualifying campaign and is unlikely to remain in both roles after Wednesday’s game.
Former Japan coach Zico is poised to take up the Kuruvchi job after confirming that he has reached a ’verbal agreement’ with the club but Kasimov insists that he remains in charge for now.
"Of course I’m happy to be appointed as head coach of Uzbekistan national team but for the next few days I’m still head coach of Kuruvchi and am fully focused on our match against Saipa," said the Uzbek football legend.
Kuruvchi are unbeaten in the Uzbek league this season but relinquished top spot to Pakhtakor on Monday when the defending champions beat Kyzylkum 3-2 to edge a point ahead of their rivals.
However, the Swallows are in a good position to reach the last four of the continental competition after a 2-2 draw with 2007 Iran Pro League champions Saipa in Tehran last Wednesday.
The Uzbek side twice took the lead in the first half at the Azadi Stadium with goals by Chilean forward Jose Luis Villanueva and former World Player of the Year Rivaldo only for Saipa to hit back through Iman Razaghirad and Kianoush Rahmati’s deflected free-kick.
The two away goals mean that Kuruvchi could progress with a draw in Tashkent and with a full strength squad at his disposal, Kasimov is confident that his players can get the job done.
"We are very close to reaching the semi-finals and we are looking to go further," he said.
"After adding new players like (Brazilian defender) Luizao and Rivaldo, I believe that our team is well balanced in all positions and we can match any team in Asia."
Rivaldo has scored three goals in two games since joining Kuruvchi and will be making his home debut in Tashkent on Wednesday.
The 38-year-old has been brought in to replace Rauf Inileyev in an effort to revive his country’s flagging World Cup qualifying campaign and is unlikely to remain in both roles after Wednesday’s game.
Former Japan coach Zico is poised to take up the Kuruvchi job after confirming that he has reached a ’verbal agreement’ with the club but Kasimov insists that he remains in charge for now.
"Of course I’m happy to be appointed as head coach of Uzbekistan national team but for the next few days I’m still head coach of Kuruvchi and am fully focused on our match against Saipa," said the Uzbek football legend.
Kuruvchi are unbeaten in the Uzbek league this season but relinquished top spot to Pakhtakor on Monday when the defending champions beat Kyzylkum 3-2 to edge a point ahead of their rivals.
However, the Swallows are in a good position to reach the last four of the continental competition after a 2-2 draw with 2007 Iran Pro League champions Saipa in Tehran last Wednesday.
The Uzbek side twice took the lead in the first half at the Azadi Stadium with goals by Chilean forward Jose Luis Villanueva and former World Player of the Year Rivaldo only for Saipa to hit back through Iman Razaghirad and Kianoush Rahmati’s deflected free-kick.
The two away goals mean that Kuruvchi could progress with a draw in Tashkent and with a full strength squad at his disposal, Kasimov is confident that his players can get the job done.
"We are very close to reaching the semi-finals and we are looking to go further," he said.
"After adding new players like (Brazilian defender) Luizao and Rivaldo, I believe that our team is well balanced in all positions and we can match any team in Asia."
Rivaldo has scored three goals in two games since joining Kuruvchi and will be making his home debut in Tashkent on Wednesday.
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