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Asgar AbdullayevSoviet and Azerbaijani football player. Now he works as a trainer. He played as a defender. Master of Sports of the USSR (1990).
Date of Birth: 27.03.1960
Country:  Azerbaijan |
Content:
Asker Abdullayev: A Life in Football
Early Life and Playing CareerAsker Abdullayev is a renowned Soviet and Azerbaijani footballer who transitioned into a successful coaching career. Throughout his playing days, he held the position of defender and earned the Master of Sports of the USSR title in 1990.
Abdullayev spent his entire club career with FK Neftchi Baku, where he amassed 319 appearances and scored one goal in the USSR Championship. He also participated in the USSR Cup and the Federation Cup, reaching the final with Neftchi in 1988.
Coaching Career
Abdullayev commenced his coaching journey as an assistant to Vagif Sadygov at FK Shafa. He then took the reins of the Azerbaijan U-21 national team, guiding them to a commendable fifth place in their UEFA European Under-21 Championship qualifying group. Abdullayev also had brief stints as interim manager of the senior Azerbaijan national team.
In 2002, Sadygov assumed the role of Azerbaijan head coach and appointed Abdullayev as one of his assistants. Following Sadygov's departure in October 2002, Abdullayev was temporarily appointed as the national team manager. After a string of successful matches, he was officially named as the permanent head coach in May 2003.
Under Abdullayev's leadership, Azerbaijan scored memorable victories against Serbia, earning him the nickname "Serbian Executioner." When Brazilian Carlos Alberto took over as national team manager, Abdullayev served as his assistant.
Club Coaching Successes
In 2005, Abdullayev became head coach of FK Baku and promptly won the Azerbaijan Cup in his first season. However, he resigned the following season after a disappointing draw with league strugglers FK Gyozan. Despite his departure, Baku went on to claim the league title that year.
Abdullayev's reputation soared in 2006 when he took charge of FK Olimpik-Shuvalan. He transformed the struggling club into a formidable force in Azerbaijani football, winning the silver medal in the 2008 championship. For his remarkable achievements, Abdullayev was recognized as the Azerbaijan Football Coach of the Year in 2008.
Honors and Legacy
As a Player:Master of Sports of the USSR (1990)
As a Coach:
Azerbaijan Cup Winner: 2005
Azerbaijan Football Coach of the Year: 2008
