An interview of AZERTAC with Jose Alesio, the former head coach of the Azerbaijan national futsal team and the "Araz-Nakhchivan" team. - How do you remember the days you spent in Azerbaijan? - I have many good memories about Azerbaijan. I always say that Azerbaijan is my second homeland after Brazil, a country that embraced me. My coaching career started there. I gained good friends and achievements that I will take with me to the end of my life. I still feel like an Azerbaijani. - What was the most memorable event for you in our country? - There are many memorable events. But I can especially mention our 4th place in the European Championship in 2009. Undoubtedly, this result left its mark in history. The main time of the match with Portugal ended in a 3:3 draw. We only lost in the penalty shootout. We had a chance to reach the final. This was an unprecedented event in the history of Azerbaijani futsal. - Interestingly, what was the secret of your success with the national team? - This success in the first year is due to the great support I received from the federation leadership and futsal players, who believed in the project and my work, supported me in difficult times, and always created conditions for us to do a good job. I always talk about the importance of players in team sports. Futsal players must be responsible for the results and the coach's instructions. - You have worked in Azerbaijan for a long time. What good impressions has our country left in your memory? - I have worked in Azerbaijan for thirteen years. I felt at home in Baku. I will always be grateful for the care shown to my family. - Do you keep in touch with your friends in Azerbaijan? - It is not possible to contact often because we have a lot of work. But when I get the chance, there are people I talk to. I don't want to mention names. Because I won't be able to write all their names here (laughs). - You are currently continuing your activities as the head coach of the "Ordabasy" club in Kazakhstan. How would you compare Kazakh and Azerbaijani futsal? - Kazakh futsal is currently in the lead. They have a very competitive championship. There are teams from lower age groups at the national and club level, and that is why they have been achieving good results lately. - Would you like to return to Azerbaijan again? - If I get an invitation from the federation someday, I would like to come back. Because this has always been my goal. My dream is to always see Azerbaijani futsal in the highest places. - Currently, legionnaires do not play in the Azerbaijani national team. The results of the national team are not as good as in previous years. Some associate this with the absence of Brazilian players in the squad. What is your attitude to this issue? - I follow the games of the national team. Yes, I know that there are no Brazilians anymore. This event was expected to happen sometime. In my opinion, these results are due to the weakening of the league. There are very few young players in the clubs. But I believe that the federation management has its own plan and will bring Azerbaijani futsal back to high places. - What can you say about your former team, "Araz-Nakhchivan"? - "Araz Nakhchivan" is the most titled club with a great history in Azerbaijani futsal. It has achieved great success in Europe. It should not be forgotten that the team took third place twice in the Champions League. Idman.biz