In an interview with the Press Service of the club, the Acting Head Coach of FC Astana, Paul Ashworth spoke about the possibility of getting out of the crisis, the expiring contracts of the players, as well as about the current state of the team:

- The team, after a streak of unsuccessful results, is not in the best condition, the result prevails over the players and the coaching staff. The most important thing is that there is an understanding that only by joint efforts, we can turn the tide.

- Many people say that you still managed to change the pattern of the game, at least this was evident from the matches against FC Ordabasy and FC Shakhter. Does it mean that the team is starting to get out of the crisis?

- The most beautiful thing in football is the result. At the moment, fans, press and sponsors are not interested in what kind of football we play, everyone wants a result. I hope that already from the match against FC Kaysar the team will again delight its fans with victories.

- And yet, you are still working with the prefix “Acting”. Does this mean that the team should wait for a new coach?

- When the management offered me to lead the team, it was initially agreed that the work on finding the head coach would be carried out. It is important for me now to do my job with high quality, since I was entrusted to be a coach, I must help the team get out of the crisis and return to the victorious path. But I repeat that my desire alone is not enough, now we all including the fans, must unite and find an opportunity to turn the tide.

- Information on that a list of 10-12 players who will leave the team at the end of the season has already been determined is actively circulating in the web. Is this the case?

- Now it is important for all of us to set things in the team up, and regarding the contracts it will be necessary to negotiate at the end of the season. It is clear that we have players whose contracts terminate at the end of 2020, but this does not mean that they will definitely leave FC Astana. Our squad contains players with very high characteristics, otherwise they would not be here, and now we need the efforts of each of them to correct the situation.

- This list also includes the name of the public’s favourite Nenad Eric. Is FC Astana ready to part with him?

- Nenad is the absolute leader and number one at the moment. His contract is really coming to an end. Now it is important for us to correct the situation the team is, and then I’m sure, we will sit down and discuss his future.