Armenia national football squad head coach Yeghishe Melikyan commented on their 0-1 loss to Ireland in Matchday 4 of Group F in the European Qualifiers for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
“Yes, the red card ‘broke’ our game, but that’s my player’s mistake, which means it’s my mistake. Whatever happens to [my] players—I take responsibility and I apologize. Our fans expected points from us in these two matches, but for various reasons, we couldn’t earn points. I apologize.
I didn’t speak with [Armenia’s captain and Slovan Bratislava forward] Tigran Barseghyan [who was red carded] after the match. I spoke with everyone collectively, thanked them for their dedication, fight, unity. We will have time to analyze and discuss the negative matters. Right now, we must stay together, accept the defeat like men, and congratulate the opponent.
We had prepared very well, knew before the game that the opponent’s coach would change the formation. We managed to find the ‘antidote.’ I’m sure we would have succeeded 11 against 11, but after the sending-off, I wasn’t afraid to go all-in and changed the formation. I wanted to help my team—we were close to a positive result. But this is a big experience, and we are on the right track. The most important [thing] is to keep the spirit, stay united, and move forward,” Melikyan said.
Armenia are last in Group F, with just 3 points.
In the next matchday, they will host Hungary on November 13.
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