Ahead of the start of the AFC Champions League Two playoff stage—the second-tier club tournament in Asia—some changes took place in “Arkadag’s” coaching staff. Following the expiration of Rovshen Mukhadov’s contract, under whom the Turkmen champions successfully advanced through the group stage of the competition, the football club of the country’s first “smart” city registered 37-year-old Mergen Orazov, who holds a PRO coaching license, for participation in the AFC Champions League Two. Prior to this appointment, the specialist had worked with the Turkmenistan national team and, in the second half of 2025, with Lithuania’s “Dainava”, which was relegated from the top division at the end of the season.

At the press conference ahead of the first leg of the AFC Champions League Two Round of 16 against Saudi Arabia’s “Al-Nassr”, Mergen Orazov was accompanied by defender Guichmyrat Annaguliyev. It was only natural that most of the journalists’ questions were directed at the coach. First, media representatives asked what feelings he was experiencing ahead of the match against “Al-Nassr”.

“Emotions are incredible; they are overflowing ahead of this historic match for our entire country.”

“Is Cristiano Ronaldo’s absence from the match in Turkmenistan good news or bad news for you?”

“Cristiano Ronaldo’s absence from the opponent’s squad has not led to any changes in our plans. We continue to train diligently and are 100 percent ready for the upcoming match.”

“What is the mood in the team? Do you have specific preparations for the upcoming match?”

“Our task is not an easy one. We are facing a high-level opponent. Therefore, this match is an opportunity for us to show our strength at a higher level. The preparation went well. I would like to take this opportunity to thank the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Hero-Arkadag, and the esteemed President of the country, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, for the great attention given to the team during the preparation for the playoff matches of the tournament. We do have tactical plans. The coaching staff had already brought the team to this level before my arrival. We did not change much. Based on the existing ideas, we tried to add a bit more attacking play. So the team is ready for the game; the players are motivated. There is no nervousness in the squad. Everyone is eager to make the starting lineup; the competition within the team is strong. I believe we have prepared very well for the match.”

“What is the secret of “Arkadag”, which in such a short time has managed to achieve significant success in Asian football while relying solely on local players?” asked journalist Farrudin Safarov of the Tajik sports channel Varzish to Mergen Orazov.

“It is the structure. The club was created to achieve major success in Asian competitions. A great deal of credit goes to our leaders, whom we must thank for providing this opportunity. The best players and the best specialists were brought in. At the same time, thorough preparatory work was carried out and the necessary analyses were conducted. It is a very good project that will become even more successful in the future.”

“Do you personally believe that “Arkadag” can play successfully against such a renowned club? What surprises have you prepared for the guests, if it is not a secret?” asked well-known Georgian journalist Tengiz Pachkoria.

“Arkadag” has already demonstrated more than once that when people do not fully believe in its chances of winning, it can achieve any result. This has happened before in our history, when the team lost away 0–2 and then won 3–0 at home. The team spirit is very strong. We do not just believe—we strongly hope for it.

As for surprises, we will try to make use of our strengths. The opponent’s level is high, and we need to match that level. The most important aspects of our play are discipline and teamwork, working together as one. I think that will be enough to achieve a result.

One always wants to believe that greater heights can be reached. I think Turkmen football deserves this, and I believe we are moving in that direction. What do coaches dream of? Working at this level. Therefore, I am proud, happy, and very much looking forward to this match.”

Defender Guichmyrat Annagulyyev of FC “Arkadag” also shared his expectations for the upcoming match:

“For every player, any match is always a celebration. There is no nervousness in the team. All the guys are in a fighting mood. We will give our all to make our fans happy.”