Sandro Perković and Hovhannes Hambardzumyan on the Upcoming Match Against Zimbru

Noah head coach Sandro Perković and team captain Hovhannes Hambardzumyan took part in a press conference ahead of the second leg of the Conference League second qualifying round against Moldovan side Zimbru.

The first meeting between the teams, held in Chișinău, ended in a 1–1 draw. The return leg will take place in Abovyan on July 30, with a place in the next round of the tournament at stake.

Sandro Perković: “I am confident that we will play better than in the first match”

— After the first match, you had an opportunity to analyse everything. How do you assess the game?

— It was a typical match at the beginning of the season. We knew that Zimbru were a good team with strong qualities. We dominated, but we did not make good enough use of our attacking opportunities. I am pleased with how the team reacted after conceding the goal.

We carefully analysed the match and identified the areas in which we played well, as well as those in which we need to improve. We used this week to prepare even better for the return leg and to help the new players adapt more quickly. We are eagerly looking forward to the upcoming match because, after a long break, we will once again play at home in front of our supporters.

— In the first match, the team scored from a set piece. Will you once again pay particular attention to set pieces in the return leg, or will you look for other attacking options?

— We work extensively on set pieces. Last season, we scored many goals from set pieces and conceded very few. I am pleased with this aspect of our game.

We prepared set-piece routines for both the first match and the return leg. I hope we will manage to score in this way in the upcoming match as well.

— Has the team prepared for a possible penalty shootout, or do you expect to settle everything within regular time?

— We are not thinking about that and are fully focused on our own game. We want to play our best football. I am confident that we will perform better than we did in the first match. After 90 minutes, we will see whether that is enough.

Hovhannes Hambardzumyan: “I expect nothing but victory”

— What impressions did the first match leave you with? The team scored shortly after you came onto the pitch.

— A team goal is always a joy, regardless of whether you are on the pitch at that moment or not. I think we played well for the first match of the season. Of course, we still have room for improvement. We need to perform better in the return leg to achieve a positive result.

— What do you expect from the match on your home ground?

— The supporters’ backing always helps the team. I expect nothing but victory.