Ljubinko Drulovic: We'll reform Uzbekistan U-23 squad as only 7-8 players stay from previous team

After the negotiations, the sides signed a 12-month contract, which could be extended for another 6-month period if White Wolves qualify for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.

Drulovic talked to the media in the press conference took place at the conference hall of National Olympic Committee of Uzbekistan on Friday.  

"I would like to point out that I had been here for a month in order to get acquainted with the plans of Uzbekistan Olympic team. Now I was impressed with this project and I think we can achieve the desired result.

Uzbekistan’s previous team crowned as the Asian champion. But, there will be 7-8 players from this team in the next tournament. However, the level of players in Uzbekistan is good enough. That’s why it is not difficult to improve the squad.

We have two months to prepare for AFC U-23 Championship Qualification Round. We will host the qualifying round matches in Tashkent and we all will focus on this competition. If so, we will book a place in the final stage.

I don’t know Russian language, so my assistants Zavisha Miloslavlevic and Neboysa Topalov will also help me with translation. I already communicate with Uzbekistan U-23 head coach Ravshan Khaydarov and we need his kind advice.

I think a two-month period is enough to choose players and improve a team for the upcoming matches. In February, we will organise 10-day-long training sessions in Tashkent. Then, we will leave for Spain training camp.”