Armen Ambartsumyan: “We Have Improved. We Want Revenge Against Sparta”

A pre-match press conference was held in Yerevan ahead of the opening-round match of the UEFA Europa League league phase between Ararat-Armenia and Sparta Prague.

The Armenian club’s captain, Armen Ambartsumyan, answered questions from journalists. He spoke about his condition after returning from injury, the team’s desire to take revenge on Sparta, Ararat-Armenia’s strength in home matches, and his emotions following the club’s historic qualification for the league phase of a European competition.

Armen Ambartsumyan’s pre-match press conference

— What is your physical condition after the injury?

— I have already played three league matches. I can’t say that I’m in perfect shape yet, but I have no pain and I feel good. I just need to get back into the rhythm of playing regularly.

— You already played against Sparta last season. How determined is the team to take revenge?

— Our team is thinking only about winning. We lost to them last season; they are a very good team. But we have prepared well to take revenge.

— Ararat-Armenia have been playing very well at home recently and are unbeaten in all four home matches in this season’s European campaign. What makes home games different for your team, and what is the secret behind your success?

— Of course, playing at home is completely different. The fans come, support us and create the atmosphere. In home matches, it is not only us who win, but our supporters as well — we feel their support. I want to thank every fan. Our main strength is our team play.

— Armen, you have been with the club since its foundation and have gone through every stage: twice stopping in the Europa League playoffs, then experiencing unsuccessful seasons, and now achieving a historic qualification for the Europa League league phase. What emotions did you feel after qualifying?

— If I start telling the story from the very beginning, we will be sitting here for a very long time. Our boss demands victory in every match, and we try to win and reach the greatest heights. For many years, we were unable to reach the main stage of a European competition, and now it has finally happened. This is a huge achievement for us and for our people.

I can’t explain what I felt when the referee blew the final whistle in that match against Universitatea. I immediately remembered all the moments, all the victories and defeats. God was with us, and everything worked out.

— If you compare the teams with last season’s matches, which side has become stronger and improved more?

— Us! We have improved.

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