Yeghishe Melikyan: Tomorrow's match is very important for Armenia

Tomorrow's match is very important for Armenia. If we want to finish in first place, and we do want to win the group, then a victory tomorrow is crucial for us. Injuries are taking a heavy toll on us.

This was stated by Yeghishe Melikyan, head coach of the Armenian national football team, at the pre-match press conference.

In the second round of the UEFA Nations League group stage, the Armenian national team will host Montenegro on September 28 at the Vazgen Sargsyan Republican Stadium in Yerevan.

"We have analyzed the opponent. We know who we are up against, and we have prepared well. We have a game plan. We need to see how well we managed to recover and prepare for the match over these three days. It is hard to say just how much preparation we’ve managed to fit in; before the Latvia match, we had plenty of time to prepare.

Tomorrow's match is crucial for Armenia. If we want to finish in first place—and we do want to win the group—then a victory tomorrow is of the utmost importance to us. We are eager to win; it is vital that we do not lose to this team. We need time, so avoiding defeat is essential; this would allow us to address our issues and give injured players a chance to return before the next match. A win would enable us to resolve some major challenges.

Julio Bueno's injury is serious; we will be without him for the next three matches. Narek Hovhannisyan's injury is not serious; he will rejoin the team tomorrow. I don't think the squad will take the field fully recovered tomorrow, but our opponents are also coming off a match and have a long journey ahead, so they will face the same issue. If our team is mentally well-prepared, we will be able to overcome the challenge of physical recovery.

A downside for us is that the players lack match rhythm. I cannot reveal tactical details right now; we will discuss that after the game.

Everyone contributed in the previous match, and I am pleased with all my players.

The opponent has quality players who also stand out for their individual play.

The Montenegrin national team's strength lies in their combination play; they are very dangerous near the opponent's goal. They have players who know how to finish.

My priority with the national team is victory. Success is demanded of the team, and we, too, want to achieve it," said Yeghishe Melikyan.

In the first round of League C, Group 2, the Armenian national team defeated Latvia 2–0 at home, while Montenegro beat Cyprus 2–1.

The team finishing first in the group will advance to League B. The runner-up will play a play-off match for a spot in League B.

Lusine Shahbazyan

Photo by Emma Asatryan

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