Yeghishe Melikyan: “Portugal has weak points, we will try to use them”

Before the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Portugal, Armenia’s head coach Yeghishe Melikyan held a press conference and answered journalists’ questions. The Armenia–Portugal match will take place on September 6 in Yerevan.

Yeghishe Melikyan’s press conference before the match against Portugal

— What do you expect from tomorrow’s game? Undoubtedly, it will be a very emotional match, considering this is the first game after the death of Diogo Jota. What do you think?

— Of course, it will be a very difficult game for us. We are going to face a very strong team. The Portuguese national team is one of the best in Europe, and we understand this very well. But we have our own plan. Portugal also has weaknesses — not many, but they exist. We will try to use them and neutralize the opponent’s strengths. On the pitch, we will focus on our tasks.

— Have you prepared surprises for the opponent? Do you have several game plans?

— Of course, I have plans for the game. Whether they will work or not will be shown during the match. Whether it will be a surprise for the opponent, I don’t know, but I hope so. As I already mentioned, they have weak points, and we will try to use them. Every plan should be unexpected for the opponent. Previously, I only observed the Armenian national team from the outside. After a few days of working here, I became more confident in the players, saw their best qualities, and I believe that we will succeed. I can’t say whether it will happen tomorrow, the opponent is very strong. But I am sure that positive changes in our game will be visible.

— Who will be the captain after Varazdat Haroyan left the team?

— That’s a difficult question, we are still working on it. For tomorrow’s game, the captain has already been chosen, but you will find out during the match. Wearing the captain’s armband doesn’t necessarily mean that this player is the main leader. We have leaders in the team, regardless of whether they wear the armband or not.

— Previous head coaches of Armenia had difficulties with discipline. Have you solved these issues?

— We have only one task and one problem — tomorrow’s game against Portugal. There are no internal issues within the team. And in general, I have never had such problems in clubs, and I am confident it won’t happen in the national team either.

— What can you say about the two newcomers — Narek Agasaryan and Karen Nalbandyan?

— I want to see a change of generations, rejuvenation of the squad, and gradually move in that direction. There won’t be any radical decisions. We will solve squad-related issues step by step, and I know how to do it. I invited Agasaryan and Nalbandyan not specifically for these matches, but so they could integrate into the team and feel the atmosphere. They are our future. Whether they will play now or not is difficult to say, but in the future, certainly.

— Is Stepa Mkrtchyan ready to play?

— Unfortunately, no. He is injured and will not be able to play either against Portugal or against Ireland. This is a big loss, but we have what we have.

— You always paid much attention to defense and relied on experienced players. But in the national team, this is the youngest line. How will you work with the defenders?

— I am confident that in the future we will have a very strong defensive line. They still have to reach their peak. Of course, it is risky to use only young defenders in such matches. But I am not afraid to work with them. Even if we don’t win tomorrow, victories will definitely come. Without such experience, we won’t have a solid defense in the future.

— Your debut will be against such a strong team. What do you feel?

— As I already said, when I joined the national team, I saw serious footballers and I am not afraid to play such matches with them. I trust them. We have a good team spirit and excellent discipline. I don’t know what was before me, but now I see only positives.

— What task has the Football Federation of Armenia set for you?

— In this qualification, I don’t have specific tasks. My main task is to solve the team’s problems. Which exactly, I cannot say. But they existed, and I must eliminate them, and then achieve results. It is difficult to say whether it will happen in this cycle or the next one.

— The choice of goalkeeper is always important. What will matter more — experience or form?

— Chancharevich has a minor injury, and putting him in the first match would be risky. Who will play tomorrow — I won’t say yet.

— Earlier, you had disagreements with the Federation’s president. How did you resolve these issues and how did you get invited to lead the national team?

— Good question. I have been working in the Armenian league for five years now and never avoid such topics. I have an answer, but before the matches against Portugal and Ireland, I don’t want to talk about it. After those games, I will definitely tell everything. I can only say one thing — everything is fine, I am being supported.

The Armenia–Portugal match will take place on September 6 in Yerevan as part of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers. The Armenian national team, led by Yeghishe Melikyan, counts on the support of the fans and will try to challenge one of the group favorites.

Kick-off — 20:00 local time at the Republican Stadium.

Roberto Martínez before the match against Armenia: “We must respect the opponent”

Eduard Spertsyan before Portugal: “When I come to the Armenian national team, it’s a great honor”