Artak Oseyan ahead of Marsaxlokk vs Pyunik: “We expect a difficult match”

Pyunik head coach Artak Oseyan took part in a press conference ahead of the first leg of the UEFA Conference League first qualifying round against Malta’s Marsaxlokk.

The first match of the tie will take place on July 9 in Malta and will kick off at 21:00 Yerevan time.

During the press conference, the Pyunik head coach spoke about the team’s readiness for the start of the season, the conditions in Malta, the state of the pitch, new players, squad losses and expectations for the upcoming match.

Artak Oseyan’s press conference ahead of Marsaxlokk vs Pyunik

— What condition is the team in now, and how ready is it for the start of the season?

— The team is very well prepared and approaches the match with great motivation. We had a good training camp and carried out our preparation effectively. At the moment, the team is very well prepared.

— Have you assessed the condition of the pitch and the overall conditions?

— There is an artificial pitch here, and that may create certain difficulties, but I do not think it will be decisive for the result of the match.

— How important is it to play the second leg at home?

— It does not make a big difference.

— Have you studied the opponent? What can you say about this team?

— We have studied them in great detail and know the team well. We do not pay attention to their previous results in European competitions. Right now, this is a very good team with experienced players. They play very rational and balanced football. I would also note that they are very well prepared tactically. So we expect a difficult match.

— Can Pyunik’s experience in European competitions become the key to victory?

— Yes, of course, it is one of our advantages. But apart from that, we must put in a lot of effort to progress to the next round.

— What can you say about the new players in the team?

— Our main task is to integrate the newcomers into the team as properly as possible. As you know, we have lost important players. We will have more newcomers this summer. Not all of them will need a lot of time to adapt: we have signed Armenian players who know our football well. But there are also foreign players who will need more time.

— Xavi Moreno and Eric Ocansey have left the team. These players had a strong influence on the attacking play. Have you been able to replace them?

— This is the most painful area. Both players were important for the team. I can say that the club did everything to keep them in the team, but it did not work out. This is part of football. There are new players who will be able to replace them, but it is a matter of time.

Pyunik begin their Conference League campaign with a match in Malta

For Pyunik, the match against Marsaxlokk will be the first official test of the new season. The Armenian club approaches the start of its European campaign after summer training camp and squad changes.

Oseyan noted that the team has prepared well for the match, but also emphasized the strength of the opponent and the importance of full concentration. According to the head coach, Marsaxlokk have experienced players, play rationally and are tactically well organized.

The second leg between Pyunik and Marsaxlokk will take place in Armenia.