On June 6 in Yerevan, a press conference was held by the head coach of the Armenian national team, Alexander Petrakov, ahead of the friendly match against Kazakhstan scheduled for June 7.
During the conversation with journalists, a variety of questions were raised, touching on both gameplay aspects and internal team dynamics.
One question addressed the two contrasting halves in the previous match against Slovenia. In response, the coach emphasized that the first half was not a failure, contrary to popular belief. He explained that much depended on factors such as the absence of several key defensive players due to injuries and lack of match practice. Nevertheless, the team came together and played good football, for which the coach expressed his satisfaction.
Regarding the Kazakhstan team, Petrakov expressed his respect for them, noting their compact and aggressive play, as well as their successes in the EURO 2024 qualifiers.
On the topic of new players in the squad, the coach highlighted their talent and potential, though he noted that they still need to adapt to the high level of play on the international stage.
A question was also raised about the strategy of playing against strong opponents in the Nations League. Petrakov stressed that he does not agree with the dismissive attitude towards other teams and that he always respects his opponents, emphasizing that he decides how to play.
Responding to a question about Sargis Adamyan's decision not to join the team due to the start of the season in the 2. Bundesliga, the coach emphasized the importance of patriotism and dedication in the team, urging players to show more commitment.
In conclusion, the coach stressed the importance of the upcoming match against Kazakhstan and expressed his desire to win, highlighting the significance for the fans and the team’s self-esteem and winning attitude.
Press Conference Highlights with Alexander Petrakov before the Match against Kazakhstan
Q: Why was there such a contrast between the two halves against Slovenia?
A: I do not consider the first half against Slovenia a failure, as many believe. In the second half, we managed to play better, but many factors contributed to this. Three of our defenders had not played for their clubs for over a month. Mkrtchyan had played only one game for his club, Arutyunyan also hadn’t played, and Tiknizyan was injured for a long time. There was some uncertainty. Artak Dashyan also just recently returned from injury. But the players gathered and played very well, and I am pleased.
Q: What is your opinion of the Kazakhstan team?
A: I have great respect for the Kazakhstan team. They played in the playoffs for the EURO 2024, demonstrating compact and aggressive football that I like. There are no weak teams in Europe anymore.
Q: How do you evaluate the players called up to the national team for the first time?
A: I talk to the players I call up. The young players I called up left a good impression on me, but they are not ready to play at this level yet. They need to get used to the tempo of the game and the speed of thinking. I am glad they will create competition in the national team.
Q: In the Nations League, we have opponents that will force us to possess the ball more and play more positionally. What are you doing to play more positional football?
A: I do not like your dismissive attitude towards other teams. I do not play with five defenders; I try to play with three defenders, but it doesn’t always work out. You cannot speak so dismissively about the teams in our group. They are strong teams, just look at their matches. Let me decide how to play; I always respect all opponents.
Q: What is your opinion on Sargis Adamyan's decision not to come to the national team since the 2. Bundesliga season starts earlier?
A: This is a serious issue. I rarely face situations where I have to persuade players. The team captain also talked to him. But Sargis was upset because he did not start against Turkey. At that time, Ranos was in good form, and he played. People who were not born in Armenia are not always as patriotic and do not show the same dedication. Not everyone sings the anthem. I told the young players that if they do not sing the anthem, I will not call them up again. We need to raise patriotism in the players; it is a bit lacking now.
Q: How important will it be to win tomorrow’s game against Kazakhstan?
A: To be honest, I have never lost so much in my life. I knew what I was getting into, and I attach great importance to this game and want to win. I asked for strong opponents for sparring, but I wanted to play one game at home in Yerevan; it is very important for the fans. The players also really want to win.
Q: We now have only one forward, Arthur Miranyan, and many wingers. How are you trying to solve this problem?
A: Yes, this is a problem, and we need to solve it gradually. There are many talents in Armenia, but many disappear after the age of 18. In general, the Armenian championship has become stronger; even I noticed this in a short time. Previously, there were more forwards in Armenia, but now there are none. Even Arthur Miranyan is not an Armenian football product; he played for the Ukrainian youth team. Briasco is from Argentina, Ranos is from Germany, even Movsisyan was not a product of Armenian football. For some reason, forwards do not grow in Armenia. I tried Spertsyan as a forward; he did not like it. Sevikyan is very short. But now we have good, tall defenders: Serjo Muradyan, Erik Simonyan. Newcomer Andranik Hakobyan from "Valencia" impressed me very much. I am sure forwards will also appear soon, but probably I will not see it.
Q: Do you want to try Ranos and Adamyan together in the starting lineup? They previously played against Cyprus and interacted very well.
A: Never say never.
