Former coach of the Russian national team and the Baku club Neftchi, Hadji Hajiyev, speculated about the possibility of Stanislav Cherchesov taking the helm of the Azerbaijan national team. His remarks were cited by Legalbet.
According to Hajiyev, Cherchesov recently conveyed that the ambitions and goals of the team he would lead matter greatly to him. He added that the Azerbaijan national team also has clear objectives to pursue.
Hajiyev noted that Cherchesov might not be inclined to take the role, but if there is interest, he could drive the team toward strong results. He believes Cherchesov is a skilled professional, a Russian by background, and that his presence would be welcome in the Azerbaijani league. Hajiyev emphasized that Cherchesov could elevate the national team to a higher level, pointing to existing preconditions for such progress.
Legalbet had previously reported that Cherchesov was being considered for the coaching position with Azerbaijan.
During his most recent World Cup with the team he led, Cherchesov steered the squad to the quarterfinals, where they were defeated by the tournament’s finalists, Croatia. It is worth noting that after his departure, the Russian national team struggled to reproduce former successes.
Cherchesov took charge of Hungarian side Ferencvaros at the end of December 2021, guiding them to a domestic league title and the National Cup. His tenure ended in July 2023 after the club was eliminated from Champions League qualification. His career includes both notable achievements and high-profile outcomes that have kept him in the spotlight of European football circles.
A former player from the Russian Premier League era reflected on the possibility of Cherchesov mentoring the Azerbaijan squad, suggesting that leadership with Cherchesov’s experience could shape tactical approaches and team discipline. The discussion highlights how national teams often explore a range of options when seeking a coach who can blend international experience with a focus on homegrown talent. It also underscores the ongoing debate about how foreign coaches influence national team development and league credibility, especially in regions where football is rapidly evolving.