Artak Oseyan on the Marsaxlokk match, Pyunik’s newcomers and transfers

Pyunik head coach Artak Oseyan answered questions from journalists ahead of the second leg of the UEFA Conference League first qualifying round against Maltese side Marsaxlokk.

The match will take place in Yerevan on July 16. Pyunik claimed a convincing 3-0 victory in the first leg, which was played in Malta.

Despite holding a substantial advantage, the Yerevan club’s head coach stressed that his players are preparing seriously for the return match and have no intention of underestimating their opponents. Should Pyunik advance, they will face Hungary’s Debrecen in the next round.

Artak Oseyan’s press conference

— What condition are the players in after the first match, and how did the team cope with the long journey from Malta to Yerevan?

— Yes, the journey was difficult, but the victory in the first match was very important for us. Positive emotions always help you recover more quickly. The team is fully prepared for tomorrow’s match, both physically and mentally.

— Considering the result of the first match, will there be any changes to the starting line-up or tactical formation?

— I cannot say anything about the tactics or the line-up. You will see tomorrow. However, I can say with certainty that we are preparing very seriously for the match. I have asked the players to take the field with maximum motivation and concentration.

We are expecting a difficult game. The score from the first match can be misleading because that victory did not come easily. Tomorrow, we must approach the match with the same attitude. As far as we are concerned, the game starts at 0-0.

— What problems did you notice in the team’s performance during the first match, and how do you plan to correct them?

— Of course, certain problems arise in every match. Moreover, we changed our tactical formation. There are aspects we have worked on ahead of tomorrow’s match. I hope the changes we have made will allow us to improve our performance even further.

— Are you satisfied with the club’s recruitment? Several key players, including Xavi Moreno, have left the team. Has the transfer business been completed, and which positions would you like to strengthen?

— At the moment, I am not satisfied with our recruitment, but we are continuing to work in that direction. There will definitely be more new signings.

Xavi Moreno was not the only important player to leave the team. Several other key players have also departed. The new signings should mainly strengthen our attacking line.

— You could face a stronger opponent in the next round. Are you already thinking about a possible meeting with Debrecen?

— Right now, we are focused exclusively on tomorrow’s match. We are not looking ahead under any circumstances until we have overcome our current opponents. After the match, we will be able to think about the next round.

— What are the minimum and maximum objectives for the team this season, both in domestic competitions and in Europe?

— We have specific objectives in the domestic championship. We will fight for the league title and for victory in the Armenian Cup.

As for European competition, we are taking it one round at a time. Our current objective is to reach the second qualifying round.

— Several newcomers made their debuts for the team in Malta. What impression did they make? Why did Imran Griffith not play?

— The newcomers have not yet fully adapted. Considering that it was their first official match, I am satisfied with their performances. The adaptation process is progressing at a normal pace.

As for Griffith, he joined the team later than the others and was not yet ready to play. I hope he will be able to help us tomorrow.

— Gonzalo Miguel joined the team in the spring but has yet to make an appearance. What can you say about his future?

— We brought him in to observe him and assess his abilities. He is with us on loan, and the agreement expires at the end of August. It is highly likely that he will then return to his club, Ural.

Finally, I would like to thank our supporters who backed us in Malta. I ask them to come to the return match and help the team. The fans are very important to us and give the players additional energy.