AzB.az presents an exclusive statement from Ioannis Diamantakos, the newly appointed head coach of the Azerbaijan women's national basketball team:
– Congratulations on your new appointment. We would like to know your thoughts regarding your targets with the national team.
– First of all, I would like to say that I am very happy to be here. I thank the federation management and the president for the trust they have shown in me. I am truly excited. I do not think now is the time to make big announcements or grand promises. Right now, it is time to work.
Naturally, we are already working. Even before my arrival, efforts were underway to establish a new structure for the youth national teams and ultimately build the senior national team through it. Because in every federation, the main objective of youth national teams is to develop talented basketball players and bring them through to the senior national team.
We are ready to execute this, and I am very excited. In the coming days, I will meet with the other coaches, and together—since this is teamwork—we will start working on the project. Once again, I thank the federation, management, and president. The only thing I can say is that we will work very hard to take Azerbaijan women's basketball one step forward.
– Does the national team's average age of 18 create pressure or concern for you?
– It is not scary at all. We have enough experience to handle this. As I mentioned earlier, the key issue is to build a structure that will allow young and talented players to develop.
In addition, it is crucial to establish a new identity for Azerbaijan women's basketball. Anyone looking at the team should feel that this is the Azerbaijan national team. This is a long and extensive process. That is precisely why I stated that I do not like to make grand claims. The only thing I can say is that we will work hard.
– Your appointment was just announced. What are your first impressions of Baku?
– To be honest, I have only been in Baku for a few hours—about three or four hours. My initial impression is very good. The city amazed me, and I am confident that this impression will remain unchanged in the coming days. But I want to be objective. I have only spent four hours in Baku. Nevertheless, my first impression is indeed extremely positive.
