Kapadze: Leadership plans to appoint a World Cup-experienced specialist

The head coach of the Uzbekistan national team, Temur Kapadze, spoke about Paulo Bento, who is reported to be appointed as the team’s new head coach. He made these remarks today, August 29, during a press conference ahead of the CAFA Nations Cup 2025.

"We are in training and have seen that the coach has arrived. We have not received any official confirmation about the appointment. We hope for the best for the national team, and no matter who leads it, we will always support the Uzbekistan team. I am grateful to those who have expressed kind words about me. Thank you all", Kapadze said.

He also mentioned that the management intends to bring in an experienced specialist who has taken part in the World Cup.

“I think this could be a positive development. We will always support our national team. Whatever decision the management makes, we will stand by it. Our loyalty is to the national team, not to the coach. This is our first time qualifying for the World Cup, and we have little time left, so we need to enter the tournament in good shape. No matter who is appointed, we will be happy if it benefits the team”, Kapadze stated.

It is worth noting that the 56-year-old Portuguese specialist Paulo Bento is expected to take charge of the Uzbekistan national team. Yesterday, on August 28, reports circulated on social media claiming that he had arrived in Tashkent and would soon be officially announced as the head coach of the national team.