The-afc.com: How did you benefit from this training camp?

Abramov: In terms of match practice, it was successful. We played four matches in Tunisia, as we wanted, but, unfortunately, we were not able to hold a match between our national teams. Apparently, the Tunisian clubs were not willing to release players, which was disappointing. But the players still did their jobs, they got the match practice they needed and the clubs we played were also quite strong.

The-afc.com: You went to Tunisia without many of your foreign-based players. How did the youngsters perform?

Abramov: Yes, indeed, the team was almost entirely composed of domestic players because the foreign-based players and a few others won’t be with us until we start our final training camp in UAE on December 18. Overall, I am satisfied with the performances of the young players. There was strong competition for places in the first team and this is a healthy situation.

The-afc.com: There is not much time before the AFC Asian Cup finals kick off. Do you think the players will have enough time together to forge a better understanding on the field?

Abramov: This is why we are having this camp in the UAE. The language of football is one and, to understand each other, the players do not need to have that much time. Let’s just say that those players who are joining the team for the camp are considered to have more talent but how they perform within the team depends entirely on them.

The-afc.com: How much time has the management spent studying your opponents?

Abramov: We have a recorded DVDs of their matches. We have to admit that all teams in the group appear equal in terms of strength. Take Kuwait’s (Gulf Cup champions) recent results, for example. The results speak for themselves. Football in these countries is developing rapidly. Qatar, as hosts, will be highly motivated like no other team. And everyone knows that China is a strong team.

The-afc.com: Today, fans of Uzbekistan’s national team can be divided into two groups. One group supporting Abramov, and the other group against you. What would you say to those who are in the second group?

Abramov: This is a normal phenomenon, which can be found in any country where they like football. So it was and so it always will be. Nevertheless, everything will be settled in Qatar, and I think now we're on the right track. After the Asian cup, I would like to prove wrong those who are against me. As the great coach Valery Lobanovsky said: “In chess, people who know little, but still play. And in opposite way, everyone understands everything in football, but just few have played.”

The-afc.com: What is the role of the coach in the team's success?

Abramov: When there is a battle, the commander is at the front. The role is defined. In football, nobody will ever be able to change the role of the coach.

The-afc.com: You always set high goals for the team and tell the media that Uzbekistan can fight for honours in top competitions. Have you changed your views?

Abramov: Of course not. I am convinced that it must always be so.