Egishe Melikyan: I would advise the Ararat-Armenia coach not to stick his nose into my affairs

Armenia national team head coach Egishe Melikyan commented on the 1–1 draw against Cyprus in the penultimate round of the Nations League group stage.

"We prepared well and analyzed our opponent. The lads did a great job. Our plan worked, and we played excellent football. We created plenty of dangerous chances, but we struggled with finishing, which is why we couldn't secure the win.

It’s a real shame things turned out this way. I hope our injured players recover quickly and return to the squad. Together, we will build an even stronger team and achieve better results. It’s clear that the team understands its objectives. I am very pleased with all the players.

I don’t recall our national team ever playing with a formation like this in its entire history. Overall, we managed to disrupt Cyprus’s game plan.

I would advise the coaches of all clubs to focus on their own affairs, as I never comment on their work.

I would suggest that the coach of Ararat-Armenia not stick his nose into the national team’s business. When a footballer joins the national team, he becomes my player, and I am the one who makes the decisions. I will not allow anyone to interfere in my affairs,” said Yeghishe Melikyan.

The Cyprus national team has reached 8 points, securing second place, while the Armenian team remains in third place with 5 points. In the final round, on November 15, the Armenian national team will play an away match against Latvia.

Lusine Shahbazyan

Photo by Emma Asatryan