Timur Kapadze was appointed the new head coach of Uzbekistan’s national football team, the Uzbekistan Football Association (UFA) announced on Wednesday. Slovenian coach Srečko Katanec stepped down from the position he had occupied since 2021 due to health reasons.
The UFA said it had analyzed several candidates for the role, holding discussions with experienced domestic and international specialists. Additionally, recommendations from the coaching council were thoroughly considered, the statement said.
With limited time remaining before the decisive matches of the World Cup qualifiers, the association proposed Timur Kapadze, head coach of the U-23 Olympic team, as the most suitable candidate.
The UFA highlighted Kapadze’s close familiarity with the team and players, his years of experience representing the national squad and his coaching background both as a head coach and assistant coach. He also made history by leading Uzbekistan to its first-ever Olympic qualification.
Photo by Yevgeny Sorochin / Gazeta.uz.
“In the current circumstances, the UFA believes that Kapadze’s coaching talent, responsibility, authority among the team and constant pursuit of high goals will bring positive results in the crucial upcoming matches,” the association stated.
Srečko Katanec led the national team since August 2021. The UFA’s press service stated that he decided to terminate his contract by mutual agreement while “maintaining friendly relations” with the association. His contract was initially set to run until 2025.
UFA image.
Under Katanec’s leadership, Uzbekistan’s national team played 20 official matches, securing 13 victories, drawing 5 times and suffering only 2 defeats.
The Uzbekistan national team is currently training in Qatar, where Kapadze will join the camp and take charge of the squad, the UFA noted.