"THE MAIN THING IN FOOTBALL IS PATIENCE"

The second international soccer tournament among 15-year olds for the Qabala Cup has been held in Qabala, one of the beautiful parts of Azerbaijan. Eight teams, including such well-known ones as Barcelona, Shakhtar, Porto, Besiktas and Feyenoord, competed for the cup. World soccer celebrities Tony Adams and Roy Makaay were also here. Not so long ago Tony Adams was at the helm at Qabala before becoming advisor to the club's president. In his career Roy Makaay played for the Dutch clubs Vitesse and Feyenoord, the Spanish teams Tenerife and Deportivo and Bayern (Germany). He won the Spanish league with Deportivo (1999/2000), was twice German champions with Bayern (2004/05 and 2005/06) and a cup winner in Spain, Holland and Germany. In 2002/03 he scored 29 goals when he was with Deportivo and won the Golden Boot. He was called the "second van Basten" for his burst of speed, uncanny goal sense and his temperament - in his 17-year career he did not receive a single red card.

Holland's famous striker now coaches 15-year olds in his native Feyenoord. We talked to him the day before the final match.

- It's nice to see the famous Roy Makaay in Qabala, and even a bit surprising…

- (smiles) To be honest, I don't know a lot about Qabala and Azerbaijan. Before I left I found a lot of interesting stuff on the Internet. I am very pleased to be here. What I have seen in Qabala has been a nice surprise. The tournament was well organized and the pitches were excellent. There were no weak teams. This means that Qabala wants to develop its football. Whatever the outcome of the tournament we shall leave Qabala with fine impressions.

- But still I think that the result is always important to Roy Makaay…

- We want to play well. In the first match, there was nothing in it and we lost to Porto by the narrowest of margins. Our aim is to be remembered in the tournament as a team that played good football. We have to be pleased at reaching the final after several wins in a row. The semi-final against Shakhtar was a tough game. It finished 1-1 after normal time, but then my lads won the penalty shootout and reached the final.

- Stanley Brard is a name that is probably familiar to you. Although he works at the Feyenoord academy he has already signed a contract with Qabala…

- He's someone who knows and loves football. What he did at Feyenoord is clear for all to see. Stanley is a man with very good ideas and I believe he will see his ideas bear fruit in Qabala, too. Today's juniors will be playing in the first team in a few years' time. This is where the Qabala academy is creating a base for the future. Stanley Brard will spare no effort to brig up his new stars.

- Brard will be the second Dutchman at Qabala. Before him there was Steve Olfers…

-  I have heard about him. He used to play in England and in Denmark. The fact that he is playing for the local club, plus the invitation to Brard, means that you want to be a leading footballing nation. Every country needs experienced players and experts. By using their knowledge they can bring success to Qabala. Of course, this won't happen in one month or even six. The main thing to have in football is patience. Time flies and then you start to realize all the good work you have done.

- The famous Tony Adams was once in charge of Qabala. Did you know that?

- I read in the press that Tony Adams was working in Azerbaijan. But I only heard that there was this fine club in your country after Brard's transfer. I believe there are top coaches working in some of your other clubs. I heard quite a lot about your concern for sport here in Azerbaijan. The government has a vested interest in the development of all types of sport. During my time in Qabala I have learnt a lot about the infrastructure that is being created. I got the feeling that the club's management loves football and is prepared to work hard to develop it. The fact that the junior teams of famous clubs are here in Qabala is in itself a success.

- Doesn't Roy Makaay long for the old days?

- Yes, every player does. Of course he sometimes gets nostalgic, but nothing is permanent in life. Every player knows that some day he'll have to leave. I am now working with a team of 15-year olds in my native Feyenoord. But in two weeks' time I shall be moving to a new job - the management has asked me to work with the 19-year olds. It is interesting working with juniors, but it is also a big responsibility. The first few months were difficult but then I got used to it. It also helps me stay young.

- What would you like to say about the current Dutch side?

- The Dutch national side has always been famous for its stars. I think the national side is on the way up. It gets better with each tournament. It's just that sometimes the team can't go all the way. Today our players are with leading clubs in Europe. I think the principle of continuity is still there in Dutch football.

- But still, even with class players in the side, the team can't make it to the final of the World Cup and the European Nations Cup…

- Not everyone can be champion. Otherwise football would be less interesting. On the other hand, our rivals are not marking time. They are also developing.

- Your celebrated compatriot Arjen Robben has just won the Champions League with your former club Bayern…

- Robben is a very strong and forceful player. I was very happy about Robben's and Bayern's success. There were several candidates to win the Champions League. But Bayern were the most worthy. The Munich club were in top form all season. And they played well in the final, too. I have to admit that Bayern are a very strong side. They have strong junior teams and scouts and traditional principles. Jupp Heynckes has built a strong team. Bayern's victory was a triumph for justice.