José María Mendes Returns as Uzbekistan Futsal Head Coach

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — Spanish coach José María Mendes has been appointed head coach of the Uzbekistan national futsal team, signing a two-year contract with the country’s Futsal Federation.

Mendes previously led the national team during two periods: 2011–2012 and 2014–2017. Under his leadership, Uzbekistan won the bronze medal at the 2014 Asian Futsal Championship and silver in 2016.

The 52-year-old coach has managed clubs including Melilla, Café Candelas Lugo, Valencia, Croatian side Orkan, and Barcel. He also led the national teams of Thailand (2008–2009) and Vietnam (2010).

During his earlier tenure with Uzbekistan, Mendes not only headed the national team but also helped Ardus Club secure the national championship and contributed to the creation of the country’s youth futsal team.

In subsequent years, he achieved success in Thailand, winning two silver medals in the Asian Cup, a bronze medal in continental competition, and titles in the Asian Club Championship and Asian Cup Winners’ Cup.

The Uzbekistan Futsal Federation expressed confidence that Mendes’ return will open a new chapter in the national team’s history and further strengthen Uzbekistan’s position in Asian futsal.