MAKING THE SAME MISTAKE?

In 2027, Azerbaijan will play host to a significant sporting event. The FIFA U-20 World Cup will be hosted in Uzbekistan and Azerbaijan. Preparatory work has already begun, and an Organising Committee has been established.

New test for Baku

The hosting of such a tournament in Baku means a notable accomplishment for Azerbaijan's sporting policy. Experts emphasise that for Baku to continue to be selected for similar competitions in the future, the championship must be organised to the highest standard. We have experience of hosting such tournaments, which is an additional advantage. Azerbaijan has previously hosted the European and World Championships for boys and girls under 17 respectively. In 2019, the Europa League final was hosted at the Baku Olympic Stadium. A year later, local fans were able to watch Group A matches of the European Championship live, as well as a quarter-final match. In summary, Baku has a proven track record in hosting prestigious football competitions.

The FIFA U-20 World Cup has been held since 1977. The tournament, which is held biennially, will be celebrating its 25th iteration. In 2021, the competition, originally scheduled to take place in Indonesia, was first postponed to 2023 due to the pandemic, and then transferred to Argentina due to protests against the participation of the Israeli national team.

It is noteworthy that this will be the second occasion on which the country has hosted World Cup matches. In 1985, when the U-20 tournament was held in the former USSR, Azerbaijan made the Tofiq Bahramov Republican Stadium and the Mehdi Huseynzade City Stadium in Sumgayit available to the teams.

Alongside the organisation of the tournament, it is imperative that the national team performs to the highest standard. We regret to inform you that we currently have no fully-fledged squad in this age group. Despite the existence of under-19 and under-21 teams, the U-20 squad will be formed for the first time. The Azerbaijan Football Federation (AFFA) has once again decided to invite a Portuguese coach to lead the team participating in the championship.

The high-profile resignation of Fernando Santos (September 2025) from the national team, following the receipt of a substantial severance payment, remains a recent and notable event. In this context, it is challenging to accept the invitation of yet another Portuguese specialist—Rui Jorge—given that Fernando Santos, who led the Portuguese national team featuring Cristiano Ronaldo to the European Championship title, failed to achieve success in Azerbaijan. In light of previous experience, is there a strong possibility of a favourable outcome with the new coach?

At the same time, the career of Rui Jorge, who has been appointed head coach of the Under-21 national team, is worthy of attention. His 15-year leadership of Portugal's Under-21 team, in a country with a rich pool of talent, is particularly noteworthy. However, in a footballing powerhouse like Portugal, there is always a choice of promising players. In the Azerbaijani football context, however, the situation is radically different.

In essence, the decision to invite foreign coaches to manage national teams of any age group in Azerbaijan appears to be a futile one. You are at liberty to make changes as frequently as you see fit. However, without talented players, your efforts may not yield the desired results. Rui Jorge is without question a highly qualified specialist, having worked with the Portuguese youth team for an extended period. However, without sufficient talent, it will not be possible for him to work miracles in the short term. He will have the opportunity to work with young Azerbaijani players, who will be playing in the Reserve League or in the first and second divisions. It is unrealistic to expect any coach to transform them into star players within a two-year period.

Previously, at tournaments held in Azerbaijan, the national teams were led by local coaches, and their work cannot be described as unsuccessful. For instance, the U-21 team, which won the Islamic Solidarity Games, was led by Yashar Vahabzade. In 2017, the team achieved its goal by winning the tournament. It is important to note that the challenges and level of competition have changed. However, it would be unrealistic to expect a foreign coach to work a miracle in such a short space of time.

Rui Jorge: "Success depends on the players"

Rui Jorge expressed his confidence in the future at the presentation. "I am optimistic that over the next year and seven months, we will acquire valuable experience and maintain our cohesion. Success is dependent on sporting results, and neither I nor any other coach can guarantee it. The team's success is contingent on the players' commitment and dedication. It is imperative that they develop their personal skills in order to perform at a high level. If we can successfully implement this strategy, we will be in a position to achieve the desired results.

"With regard to my conversations with Fernando Santos, I can confirm that I had the opportunity to speak with him and his assistants prior to signing the contract. I have received very positive feedback about the country and its people. Prior to my arrival, I had been informed of the welcoming nature of the Azerbaijani people, and upon my own arrival I was able to observe this for myself.

"I am well aware that the Azerbaijan national team is not the Portugal national team, and that its players are not the same as those who play for Portugal. I had the opportunity to observe the U-19 team's group stage matches, followed by the game against Slovenia. Firstly, we will enhance the players' performance, and then we will move on to other areas. It is imperative that a playing system is established and that work is conducted in accordance with the planned programme."

Rui Jorge's contract with the AFFA is for one and a half years, with the possibility of an extension depending on performance. The 52-year-old coach has been appointed to prepare the team for the World Cup, which will take place next year in Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan. Consequently, his involvement with the U-20s may be approaching its conclusion. However, the AFFA management views Rui Jorge as a potential candidate for the post of head coach of the national team. If his work with the youth team is successful, he may be appointed to the senior squad.

In 2027, our national team will take part in the Under-20 World Cup for the first time.