Umar Eshmurodov: "I have already made a decision"

Umar Eshmurodov, the leader and head of FC Nasaf, has always lived up to his promise. He can be called Ruzikul Berdiev's "right hand" on the pitch.

Eshmurodov competed in all competitions with the team. For example, he scored 1 goal in 24 games in the Super League. The player, whose contract expires, gave an interview to Sports.uz about the results of the season.

- This season has been better for us than last year, - said Eshmurodov. - If we won a silver medal last year, this year we won Uzbekistan Cup. As an unpleasant side, I can say that as a result of a tight schedule we lost our place in the championship. In the last game, we could not fight for medals. The AFC Cup final was also unpleasant for us. At that time, the guys did not have much experience. But there were also positive aspects to our reaching the final. Our young people have seen such a big game and will prepare for the upcoming Asian Champions League. We really wanted to win the AFC Cup, but unfortunately, we did.

- In fact, FC Nasaf could have finished the season without a prize. As you said, you missed out on medals in the championship, the AFC Cup was lost. The last chance was the final of the Uzbekistan Cup. In that match, the community won and one person was left out. In a very difficult situation, FC Nasaf showed will and finally won the cup. What would you say when you remember that game?

- I would not say that 2021 was unlucky, even though we did not win Uzbekistan Cup this year. After we formed a good team last year, we thought we would do better this time, but four more players left. There were more young people, we had to form a new community. That's why I couldn't say that it was a bad season when we lost in the cup final. You know, we prepared very well for the second place in the last match of the championship, in the final of the AFC Cup and the final of the Cup of Uzbekistan. At the meeting in Bahrain, our young people lacked international experience. They could not stand the pressure. They will know it later if they experience it. That's how young people grow through big games. After the semi-final match against AGMK, We did not have time to fully recover from the match against Lokomotiv for the second place at home. Especially after the 70th minute, when we had 10 people left, it became clear. As for the final of the Uzbekistan Cup, we had nothing to lose. We could have won the cup and reached the playoffs of the Asian Champions League. In 2022, we have set a goal not only to participate in the championship of Uzbekistan but also to participate in the international arena. We did our best in that final to reach the playoffs of the Asian Champions League, which was our last chance. Accordingly, we had a week to prepare for the match against Pakhtakor. We could have reached the playoffs of the Asian Champions League. In 2022, we have set a goal not only to participate in the championship of Uzbekistan but also to participate in the international arena. We did our best in that final to reach the playoffs of the Asian Champions League, which was our last chance. Accordingly, we had a week to prepare for the match against Pakhtakor. We could have reached the playoffs of the Asian Champions League. In 2022, we have set a goal not only to participate in the championship of Uzbekistan but also to participate in the international arena. We did our best in that final to reach the playoffs of the Asian Champions League, which was our last chance. Accordingly, we had a week to prepare for the match against FC Pakhtakor.

- The team has received a number of awards for reaching the finals of the AFC Cup. You also won the Uzbekistan Cup, and were the players awarded accordingly?

- The money came to the account. All the prize money for those games was given. The tournament was also financially beneficial for Nasaf. We received prize money for our matches in the AFC Cup.

- If it is not a secret, how much did they encourage?

- Our victories in the AFC Cup, in particular, were encouraged two or three times more for serious matches. Better promises were made for the final, but we could not win.

- Recently, when we talked to Ruzikul Berdiev, he said that your contract is coming to an end. What are your plans?

- My plans are connected only with FC Nasaf. In 2022, we want to participate in the Asian Champions League, defending the honor of the team. God willing, we will extend the contract. We have talked to the leaders about this before. After the New Year, we can talk about what's left.

- What will you do if you receive a serious offer to change your mind in the near future?

- Well, first of all, let such an offer come, but I have already made a decision. FC Nasaf and I fought to the end to participate in the Asian Champions League, and that was my goal. I haven't even talked about the options available. All my thoughts are with FC Nasaf. I also said that I would stay in Karshi.