"THERE WILL BE NO CONCESSIONS FOR ANYONE"

Changes in the Azerbaijani judo team, which performed poorly at the London Olympics, were inevitable. The question was what particular changes awaited the team that failed to win medals at the world's most prestigious competition.

As was expected, the reform began with the head coach. The Judo Federation decided not to extend the contract with Agayar Axundzada, who had led the national team for 19 years. In the next four years, Austrian specialist Peter Seisenbacher will be at the helm of the team.

Word about the federation's desire to say goodbye to Axundzada was going round before the Olympics in Beijing, but Elnur Mammadov's "gold" and Movlud Miraliyev's bronze medal forced them to postpone it. For the sake of fairness, we should acknowledge the contribution of this experienced coach to Azerbaijani judo. It was under his leadership that the highest number of judokas in the history of Azerbaijani sports - 8 people - took part in the Olympics for the first time this year. Under him, the national team of Azerbaijan had no legionaries. Axundzada made a great contribution to the acquisition of the current high form by Azerbaijani sportsmen.

But any team needs change after a certain period. In this regard, the federation's decision is quite logical. As one of the main problems of Axundzada, we can point to the low level of discipline in the team. After all, it is no secret that Azerbaijani coaches cannot treat their titled students strictly. This leads to violations of the sport mode, and as a result, athletes with a reputable name are often left without medals at competitions.

On the other hand, inviting a foreign coach is a big risk. For example, the national boxing team was recently entrusted to a Cuban coach. He and his colleagues worked in Azerbaijan for six months, but were forced to resign because of the lack of results. Aiming for quick success, foreign coaches tend to try to strengthen the team with strong legionaries. But to say that Seisenbacher will do the same would be wrong.

According to the four-year contract that has been signed, Seisenbacher will train the national judo team of Azerbaijan for the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro. Along with the men's national team, Seisenbacher will be responsible for training the youth and junior teams. At the same time, the new coach will assist the development of the women's judo school and the improvement of the professional training of coaches and referees. The well-known Austrian specialist will also participate in the selection and education of talented young athletes in the country's regions and in events to popularize judo.

Throughout his career, the 52-year-old Austrian has become a champion of the world, Europe and an Olympic champion twice. His last place of work as a coach was the national team of Georgia, which won one gold medal under Seisenbacher's leadership in London.

We met the new coach of Azerbaijan in Ismayilli where the Judo Federation of Azerbaijan is planning to build a new sports centre, which will become a base for the national team. Seisenbacher, who took part in the groundbreaking ceremony of the new centre, agreed to answer our questions.

- Welcome to Azerbaijan. How do you feel in your new position?

- This position is not alien to me, because in the last few years, I have been head coach of Georgia. Now I will be doing the same thing here. The development of judo requires a comprehensive approach, and I will be monitoring the performance of all athletes - from the juniors to the country's first team.

- In that case, you will need assistants. Have you already selected people you will be working with?

- It is too early to talk about it yet. First, I have to get acquainted with the athletes. Then we will think about the coaches. If their knowledge satisfies me, I'll be working with them. I would like to work with local specialists.

- Do you have information about the status of sports in Azerbaijan?

- I know that sports in Azerbaijan are developing very rapidly. The basis of this is the state's attention and concern about sports and athletes. I also know about numerous prestigious competitions held in your country. The biggest interest is in Olympic sports.

- You've probably seen the performances of our judokas?

- As I said, in recent years I served as head coach of Georgia. And as Georgia and Azerbaijan are neighbouring countries, I know about the achievements of your athletes. We met at different tournaments.

- On what terms did you sign a contract with the Judo Federation of Azerbaijan?

- I wouldn't like to talk about it. I can only note that I asked them to create a base for the national team. The federation leadership pledged to resolve the issue in the coming years. I'll be working on the basis of a four-year plan. At the moment, I'm gathering information about the athletes and infrastructure. Then we will move on to discuss the training plan.

- Do you expect changes in the national team?

- The championship of Azerbaijan will be held on 30 October. I asked the federation to give all athletes the opportunity to attend this competition. We will closely monitor the promising youth. Those who meet the level of the national team will be invited to the training camp. I would like to see new faces and feel competition. If there is no competition, there will be no development. Every athlete should know that if he is weak, his place in the team will be taken by another. Only in this way, can we ensure the revival of the national team. Hopefully, after performances at the national championship, we will have an idea about the level of all the athletes.

- I wonder whether there will be concessions to titled athletes.

- No concessions. Does the opponent make concessions during competitions? Every athlete, regardless of his title, must be ready to compete. Titles are not important for me. Only those who are ready for competitions will be sent to them.

- The Azerbaijani team failed to win medals at the Olympics in London. What do you think the problem was?

- I can't answer this question. At the time, I did not work with the national team of Azerbaijan, so I don't want to comment. I was appointed head coach just recently and I'm only interested in the future. I will do everything in my power to ensure that Azerbaijan judokas achieve new successes.