Farid Mansurov: I have no nominee, but want a local coach for the squad

"The preparation of the team means a lot. I think the Azerbaijani team has an advantage in the group," Farid Mansurov, a member of AFFA's Executive Committee said while commenting on the results of UEFA Nations League draw, Report says.

He spoke of the squad's chances in matches with teams of Luxembourg, Cyprus, Montenegro in Group C1 of League C: "It is hard to achieve results in team sports. Everything might happen. It depends on the preparation of the squad. Our footballers would better experience a legionary life abroad. It would further boost the team's competition."

Mansurov said that he, as a committee member, hadn't nominated any candidate for head coaching.

"I have no candidate, but I want a local coach to lead the team," he noted.

Mansurov, the gold medalist of the 2004 Summer Olympic Games in Greco-Roman wrestling, also touched upon the Azerbaijani athletes' prospects in Tokyo Olympics.

"The wrestling team has won two licenses so far. There are two qualifying tournaments ahead. We always trusted in wrestlers, and I still believe in them. I am sure we will get more licenses. We have fighters who can win Olympic medals. They are strong as a team. I believe we will achieve good results," he said.

The Azerbaijani squad will have its first match in the UEFA Nations League on September 5, playing with a team from Luxembourg in Baku.

Tokyo will host the 32nd Summer Olympic Games on July 24 - August 9.