DUSHANBE, 12.02.2019. (NIAT Khovar) – A pre-match press conference of Istiqlol FC’s head coach Hakim Fuzialov and the head coach of Uzbekistan’s AGMK Mirjalol Qosimov was held on the eve of the match in the preliminary round of the AFC Champions League 2019 in Tashkent.

Representatives of both clubs answered to the questions of journalists.

Hakim Fuzailov, head coach, Istiqlol FC:

— First of all, I would like to thank the hosts for their warm welcome. They met us well and provided a training field. As for the opponent, we are well acquainted with AGMK, but I see that the composition of this club has changed completely. I think we are waiting for an exciting fight.

— Are you satisfied with the selection work in the club?

— I am pleased with the current composition of the team, but the selection work continues. No coach will give up additional resources.

— At one time you worked for Tashkent’s Lokomotiv FC and are well acquainted with the championship of Uzbekistan. How do you assess the chances of AGMK?

— Of course, I previously worked in Uzbekistan, but it was a long time ago. There have been major changes in the AGMK since then. There are very strong players in the team. There will be an uncompromising struggle.

— How do you feel about the fact that in the playoff round the teams play only one game?

— I had dealt with this when I was still coaching Lokomotiv. But football is a game doesn’t change with the changed location. But there is one important point. Football is for the fans, and tomorrow our fans will be forced to watch the game on TV.

Fathullo Fathulloev, Isriqlol’s captain:

— Our team is ready for tomorrow’s game. We hope to win and please our fans.

Mirjalol Qosimov, head coach, AGMK FC:

— God willing, a new season will begin for AGMK FC tomorrow. Taking this opportunity, I would like to wish Tashkent’s Pakhtakor FC good luck in tomorrow’s game. I also wish good luck to Lokomotiv FC, which will begin its performance in the group stage. We respect our opponent, but we will aim just to win.

— Both teams have a new head coach and new players. Additionally, the season is just starting. How do you think what will play a decisive role in such a situation?

— We tried to establish relationship between the lines of defense and offense. The football players need to come out with a great desire to win.

— What can you say about the new legionnaires?

— They are not yet fully prepared. Additionally, one of them was injured. The season is long and they will definitely help the team. It takes some time to adapt.

— How do you assess the chances of Istiqlol?

— We watched several games of our opponent. It is quite another thing to act against it on the field. Everything will be decided tomorrow.

Jasur Hasanov, AGMK’s midfielder:

— We are well prepared for the upcoming game. Everyone is in a good mood. Tomorrow, we will have a difficult game. We are 100% ready to face Istiqlol. We will try to please the fans with a victory.