Artykhodzhayev: "The budget for 'Pakhkator' will exceed 100 billion sums."

"The goal was not to win the championship; Tashkent clubs, in general, showed disappointing results."

— First of all, I congratulate you on the upcoming New Year. The outgoing 2024 year has been challenging for "Pakhtakor." We were unable to secure the necessary position, and for that, we apologize to our fans. However, to be honest, at the beginning of the year, we did not set the goal of becoming champions. We wanted to provide more opportunities for the youth. "Pakhtakor" is not a one-season team but a club with a long-term vision. Based on this, we entrusted the future of the team to the youth.

As a result, we finished 6th in the Super League, and it cannot be termed an unsatisfactory result.

Overall, this year's results for Tashkent clubs can be described as sad. "Lokomotiv" was relegated from the league, "Olympic" ended up at the bottom, and "Bunyodkor" struggled for survival. I don't know what happened to the Tashkent teams, but the year has not been favorable for them. Now, we will continue with a new head coach. I want to thank everyone for the completed season, including the referees. Yes, fans sometimes criticize them, but the job of referees is not easy, and for that, I also apologize.

"I want 'Pakhtakor' to be respected not only in Uzbekistan but also worldwide."

— How do I envision the ideal "Pakhtakor"? We grew up with this club, attending every match since childhood. I consider Mirjalol Qasimov a legend of Uzbek football; I also followed Igor Shkvyrin's play.

"Pakhtakor" is one of the leading teams in Asia, and it has a reputation worldwide. Even in Europe, many know "Pakhtakor" and have followed its games. I want the team to remain strong, respected, and capable of competing equally with any club in Asia. We are making every effort to achieve this goal.

There are examples in the world. We saw Morocco's success at the 2022 World Cup, the sensational performance of Moldova's "Sheriff" in Europe, or the achievements of "Shakhtar." We are no worse and will also strive for such success.

Joachim Löw, stadium reconstruction, and the fate of Maxim Shatskikh

— Yes, I met with Joachim Löw, but it was not related to inviting him as a coach. We just happened to be nearby.

Regarding the stadium, we will begin renovations in spring and update the pitch according to FIFA standards.

Why is Maxim Shatskikh leaving? First of all, I want to thank him for his work. He was the head coach for three years and brought us to the championship twice. This year, we did not set such a task for him.

Shatskikh will remain in the club as an advisor and will assist the new coach. He will play an important role during the transition period.

"Nasaf rightfully became the champion."

— Tell me, is there a coach in Uzbekistan who has made his team a champion twice in three years and then finished in sixth place? Has that ever happened in history? I respect Ruzikul Berdiev; he has been in charge of "Nasaf" for 12 years! And during all this time, he became the champion for the first time this year. I met him once; he is a very respected and good person. "Nasaf" rightfully became the champion. Before that, the team was led to the championship twice by Arveladze, and after him, who? No one. So we should be grateful to Shatskikh.

With the new coach Moreira, we signed a "1+1" contract. He himself intends to fight for the championship. We will strive for that.

On "sabotage" in "Pakhtakor."

— Speaking of financial matters, "Pakhtakor" is probably the only team in Uzbekistan that has never delayed salaries for even a day. As for sabotage, many of our players are simply tired of being champions; they have grown bored of it. They are only interested in their contracts for the next year. We do not want to extend contracts with such players because their presence on the pitch is almost unnoticeable. A similar situation occurred last year. Then, with 10 rounds left in the tournament, I appointed young Diyora Xolmatova as captain. The youth seemed to teach a lesson to the more experienced players.

I would like players to consider it an honor to play for the club above financial gain. Playing for "Pakhtakor" should not just be a job but a privilege. Nevertheless, there has not been a single day of salary delays in our team.

The "Pakhtakor" budget for 2024 exceeded 100 billion, and in 2025 it will increase again.

— When will "Pakhtakor" start generating profit? Not only Uzbek clubs but around the world, only 10–15 clubs are probably profitable. These are mostly the leaders of the leagues in England, Spain, and some other countries. Most clubs operate at a loss.

"Pakhtakor" is supported by us not for profit but because we have been fans of this club since childhood. Someone has to take care of it! We grew up here, matured, and the club needs support. As long as we have the opportunity, we do it. If we didn't have the means, we would directly say that we cannot help right now. As an entrepreneur, I do not believe in the possibility of making a profit from football in Uzbekistan. Most likely, other clubs cannot earn from it either.

In 2024, the budget of "Pakhtakor" exceeded 100 billion sums. In 2025, the budget will increase as the reconstruction of the "Pakhtakor" stadium will soon begin, and new players are planned to be brought in.

"Cheran should consider becoming a coach; he no longer meets the requirements for next year."

— Why are Kamolidin Tojiyev, Cheran, and Sobirkhujaev not visible? They have also gone on a two-month vacation. You know, Dragan Cheran is 38 years old, and I think he should consider coaching. Next year, Cheran will not play for "Pakhtakor." I am confident he will make an excellent coach. I believe it is better to leave at the peak of your career while respect and authority remain. It’s better to end your career now than in a difficult moment after an injury. I consider him a devoted player, but he does not meet our goals for next year.

A farewell match for Cheran? He is not going anywhere; he is not leaving Uzbekistan! What farewell match? With the fans? Where are those fans? There are only 500 people at the stadium, if not less. If there is a request for a farewell match, we will organize it beautifully, without question. Perhaps other clubs will invite Cheran, and he will continue to play there. But Cheran no longer meets "Pakhtakor's" requirements for next year. If a player occupies a position, he must run for 90 minutes. And now he can no longer run like he used to, and that doesn’t suit us.

The club is parting ways with Pavel Pavlyuchenko, Kimi Merk, and Dragan Cheran. We have reached an agreement with the Iraqi player Bashar Resan. Strengthening the squad will be done in consultation with the head coach.

"We will not disclose the salary of the new coach; the main thing is the result."

— The salary of the new coach Pedro Moreira? There is a confidentiality clause regarding the head coach's salary in the contract, so we cannot disclose it. No matter how much it is, it is his personal matter. Our main concern is for him to organize quality football and achieve results.

We do not interfere in the work of the new head coach. No one has the right to do so. Our task is not to turn him into a "local" who won't be able to leave the teahouse in a week.

Is four clubs in Tashkent too much? In my personal opinion, four clubs in Tashkent is too many. But I