Yegishe Melikyan: "We must advance and win"

On the eve of the second leg of the UEFA Europa Conference League first qualifying round between Yerevan’s Pyunik and Tre Fiori (San Marino), Armenian head coach Yegishe Melikyan held a press conference. In the first match, which took place in San Marino, Pyunik suffered a surprising 0–1 defeat. The return leg will be held on July 17 in Yerevan, at the Vazgen Sargsyan Stadium, and will kick off at 20:00 local time.

Melikyan admitted that the team underestimated their opponent, which contributed to the loss:

“We had no right to lose the first match, regardless of our form. We still have a chance to fix everything. We must go through and win — we’ll do everything for that. I didn’t want to say this, but the team lacked motivation due to underestimating the opponent — the San Marino factor played a role. Perhaps I failed to prepare the team mentally.”

He also commented on the club president’s remarks about the team's readiness:

“After the first game, the president said the team is ready for the season. I don’t agree — I don’t know where he got that information. I didn’t say that. I’m the head coach, and only I know how ready the team is. We’re not 100% ready now, but that’s no excuse. Some players arrived very late and couldn’t train properly.”

Nevertheless, Melikyan emphasized the positive atmosphere within the team:

“We have a good environment and great players. The only problem is that we started preparations late. But I don’t see it as a major issue. We need time. There are some minor disagreements with the management — not the first time I say one thing and the president says another. But I have full respect for the club and the management. I continue to work and take responsibility for the result.”

Melikyan noted that the defeat in San Marino was an important lesson for the team:

“It was an experience and a lesson. Now we approach everything differently. We’ve studied the opponent better and carried out tactical analysis. We are confident in our victory.”

He also praised young midfielder Gevorg Tarakhchyan:

“He is in good form and had a strong preseason. Yes, I wasn’t satisfied with his performance in the first match, but he’ll start again. He’s still young, and I won’t judge him based on one game. I want to give as many chances as possible to Armenian players — he has great potential, he just needs time.”

The second leg against Tre Fiori will be a key test for Pyunik at the beginning of the new season.