Sadygov enjoys new Turkish challenge

Long-serving Azerbaijan captain Rashad Sadygov has returned to Turkey after finding himself surplus to requirements at PFC Neftçi and is relishing a new challenge at Kocaelispor as well as more national-team progress under Berti Vogts.

Kocaelispor switch
The 27-year-old was among several players released by Neftçi coach Heinz-Jürgen Gede with the team lying ninth at the winter break, but Sadygov, who also played for Turkish club Kayserispor in 2005/06, had plenty of offers before joining Kocaelispor. Sadygov said: "I have received a very warm welcome at Kocaelispor. I had other offers, from Greece for example, but in truth Turkey is much closer to where I want to be."

Turkish atmosphere
Sadygov, who, with the exception of spells at Iran's Foolad FC and Kayserispor, had been with Neftçi since a 2001 move from PFK Turan Tovuz, has agreed a wage cut to join the side second from bottom in the Turkish Süper Lig. He made his Kocaelispor debut in a 4-0 league defeat of Hacettepe SK on 25 January which lifted them from last place. "I understand the game here," Sadygov said. "The game in Turkey is very physical, you have to be motivated for every match. Turkish fans give incredible support and all the players enjoy that."

Settling in
Azerbaijan coach Vogts has excused Sadygov from the national team's winter training camp in the United Arab Emirates to allow his captain to settle in Turkey – something the defender appreciates. "It is important for me to establish myself at Kocaelispor and people in Azerbaijan accept that," Sadygov said.

Vogts development
Two-time Azerbaijani Player of the Year, Sadygov, is also backing the German coach's decision to use the FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign to test young players – despite a tough group including Russia and Germany, and the fact they lost only 1-0 in Wales and Finland in the autumn. "The positives following Vogts's appointment are obvious," Sadygov said. "He has taught us to play a completely different type of football. He has more trust in young players. Vogts could have chosen another path and not thought about tomorrow, but instead he is laying foundations for future success. We have to value this approach. It will bear fruit in the near future."

Moving abroad
He also suggested that some of those youngsters follow him in trying their luck abroad. "I know many lads who could play abroad," the 52-cap veteran said. "Why don't they want to test themselves at another level? Well, today in Azerbaijan people are much more interested in football and players are getting more money. And our mentality is another factor, because players want to stay closer to their families, relatives and home. However, I insist that Azerbaijani players have to try to leave and play in stronger leagues."