Manuel Tulipa: AZ Alkmaar is a very dangerous team

"AZ Alkmaar is a very dangerous team; they press very well and attack very well. I will do everything to ensure that, instead of looking for excuses, we truly transform our game. I understand how our fans feel, given that we don't have any points yet. I want to change their mood in tomorrow's match and secure those long-awaited points. I have complete faith and confidence in my team."

This was stated by Manuel Tulipa, the Portuguese head coach of the Armenian football champions Ararat-Armenia, during the pre-match press conference.

In the third round of the Europa League main stage, the Armenian champions will host the Dutch club AZ Alkmaar on October 22 at the Vazgen Sargsyan Republican Stadium in Yerevan.

"We need to examine the two matches we have already played in the first two rounds. We must focus on what we did well and what we did poorly. The first thing I noted is that in both matches, we were in a position to earn points, but we failed to do so. We had prepared well for both games; we simply couldn't capitalize on the details, and that is our responsibility. It is important to realize that the Europa League, in terms of prestige, ranks second in Europe, perhaps even in the world. Every team here is very strong.

Sometimes there are issues in defense. Our opponents are very strong and often do not forgive our mistakes. We need to focus on what we have done well in previous matches and continue to improve our performance.

I really want my team to maintain its identity, to consistently control the ball, while also playing well when we don’t have possession. Our opponents are truly very strong. We need to be flexible on the pitch and, at times, be prepared to make adjustments.

Our situation is truly difficult after the first two matches; we have no points, but we haven’t lost our confidence or belief, as we still have six games to play. I told my players that there are four teams against whom we can earn points. We have already played one of them, but unfortunately, we were unable to secure any points. There are three other opponents against whom we have a chance.

We must compete as equals and avoid straying too far from our own style of play. I know, I am convinced, that when you alter your approach too drastically, you lose your identity as a team. I tell my players to remain confident, regardless of the opponent's strength.

Our players are very strong; they are champions, and it is thanks to them that we have reached this stage. Unfortunately, we have suffered some significant losses during this period, for instance, Kamo Hovhannisyan, Bueno, and Zidan; it is also likely that Alvin Terran will not play. Zidan Banjaki has sustained a knee injury and will not play tomorrow. We do not yet know when he will be able to return to the pitch.

AZ Alkmaar is a very dangerous team; they press very well and attack very well. We will try to do everything possible to showcase and utilize all our capabilities. It is crucial to demonstrate consistency and responsibility in matches like this. We played a good game against Jagiellonia, but certain details changed the course of the match.

We can win tomorrow's match by playing with ambition and great desire, while maintaining focus both in defense and in the attacking line. We didn't achieve the results we wanted in our previous matches, but I have complete faith and confidence in my team," said Manuel Tulipa.

In the second round of the Europa League, Ararat-Armenia lost 1–3 away to the Polish club Jagiellonia, while in the first round at the Republican Stadium, Manuel Tulipa's team was defeated 0–2 by the Czech side Sparta.

The match between Ararat-Armenia and AZ Alkmaar will kick off at 20:45 on October 22.

Lusine Shahbazyan

Photo by Emma Asatryan

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