"He will find his place in 'City' - an interview with youth coach Khasanov."

About the Coach

“I began my coaching career in 1999 at the football school in the city of Karshi. I played for the reserve team of ‘Nasaf’, but due to injuries, I had to end my career at the age of 21. After that, I became a coach. I worked in Karshi for five years before moving to Tashkent. I spent 13 years at ‘Bunyodkor’. In 2022, I went to Europe. Currently, I am working at one of the private football schools.”

Why I Chose Youth Football

“Youth football is more exciting. Working with children brings a special joy. Through them, I strive to realize dreams that I could not achieve myself.”

Working with Khusанов

“At ‘Bunyodkor’ in 2002, I worked with the late Akmal Riskullaev and the kids. Although Abdukodir was born in 2004, he trained with kids two years older. At that time, I was overseeing the children born in 2003.”

Later, when the workload for the 2002-born kids increased, Akmal Riskullaev suggested transferring Khusанов to me. I agreed because I already knew him.

After moving to my group, Abdukodir played under me for 3-4 years. We prepared kids until they were 15-16 years old before passing them on to U-18, U-19, reserve, and first and second league teams.

Abdukodir has always been cheerful. On the field, he feared nothing. He was good at aerial play, reading the game, and initiating attacks.”

We participated in many international tournaments. In a tournament in Kazan, we defeated the ‘Rubin’ academy in the final. At that time, we wanted to keep Abdukodir and 2-3 other kids, but it didn’t work out.”

Why Khusанов Did Not Make It to the Main Squad of ‘Bunyodkor’

“I don’t want to speak untruthfully as I was not informed. We, the youth coaches, did not interfere. We were responsible for our group, while the senior coaches made the decisions.”

The Role of His Father in Khusанов’s Success

“I believe that a significant part of Abdukodir’s success is due to his father, Hikmat Hashimov. His father was also a good footballer. I think Abdukodir has achieved such heights thanks to his father's advice.”

Working with Guardiola

“Guardiola is one of the best coaches in the world. I am confident that under his guidance, Abdukodir will show even greater progress. Since childhood, he has not been afraid of competition, which is evident in big football. I believe he will find his place at ‘City’. Pep is a coach with a unique approach, and he might experiment with Khusанов in different positions.”

About My Pupils

“I have many pupils. Among the kids born in 2003, many good footballers have emerged: Umarali Rahmonaliev plays for ‘Rubin’, Pulatkhuzha Kholdorxonov and Mahmud Mahamadjonov play for ‘Pahktakor’, and Umid Sultonov plays for ‘Sogdiana’.

The children born in 2003 have become the ‘golden generation’. Many of them continue their football careers. Our goal is to raise footballers like Abdukodir and Umarali.”

Interviewed by Hasan Yusupov,
Operator — Ziyoiddin Mamatjonov,
Editing — Abdulla Sodikaliev.