Epress.am News from Armenia
Though all 21 potential players are ready for tomorrow’s match, head coach of Armenia’s national football (soccer) team Vardan Minasyan has not yet approved the final squad (of 18 players). Minasyan conveyed this news himself, while speaking to the press today about tomorrow’s much anticipated Armenia-Russia Euro 2012 qualifier.
“We began preparations on Mar. 22, but at the last moment we were informed by [local football club] Banants that Ararat Arakelyan received an injury and can’t play. At this point, 21 candidates are ready for the match, both functionally and psychologically. The Armenian and Russian teams’ football players functionally are on equal footing,” he said.
Asked who might replace Arakelyan, Minasyan named Artur Yuspashyan and Valeri Alexanyan. As for Yura Movsisyan, according to the head coach, he can spend the entire match on the field.
“I have already decided in the issue of choosing the main squad, except for one position, which will be clear after the meeting by coaching staff. So I can’t say now whether Pachajyan will play or not.
“Our first task is to show good football. It doesn’t matter whether the game is played away or at home. That’s important only from a strategic point of view and only when it comes to cup matches. If the team is highly qualified, the aura of the field shouldn’t affect the quality of the game, but, in any case, support for Armenia’s national team tomorrow will greatly assist us,” he said.
According to Minasyan, the Armenian president hasn’t set an objective for him to win.
“I only have one challenge: to continue that which they [i.e. the team] did last year. The important thing is to show a good quality game, while the quality of the game also depends on the outcome,” Minasyan emphasized.
By watching the last two friendlies, Armenia’s head coach added that he’s become acquainted with the Russians’ game:
“I’ve watched Russia’s two friendlies with Iran and Belgium. I don’t take those matches seriously because the motivation in such matches is different. I don’t agree with the opinion that Russia is a favorite. But if the Russians think differently, then that’s fine.”
The lawn in the Republic stadium is in perfect condition and it will be comfortable to play on for both teams, summed up the head coach.