Ararat-Armenia head coach Tulipa assesses Armenia’s chances against Portugal

On the eve of today’s 2026 World Cup qualification match between Portugal and Armenia, Manuel Tulipa, head coach of Armenian league leaders Ararat-Armenia, gave an interview to the Portuguese outlet Desporto ao Minuto, where he shared his expectations for the upcoming encounter and spoke about his work in Yerevan.

According to the Portuguese specialist, the strength of the opponents is objectively different:

“Portugal is on a completely different level compared to the Armenian national team. Roberto Martínez has top-class players at his disposal, especially in midfield. Almost every one of them is a superstar. At the same time, Armenia’s most vulnerable point is the defense.”

However, Tulipa emphasized that the Armenian team possesses important strengths:

“Armenian players are technically well-prepared and know how to read the game. But in this match, they must give their absolute maximum and demonstrate the highest intensity.”

The coach also shared his impressions of working in Armenia:

“I was welcomed wonderfully here. Both the club staff and the players showed trust from the very first days. For a coach, it is very important when the players understand and share his football ideas.”

Speaking about Ararat-Armenia’s objectives, Tulipa noted that the club aims not only to fight for trophies but also to develop its own players:

“One of the club’s main goals is winning titles. But it is equally important to develop the quality of our players. Ararat-Armenia has a second team playing in the First Group — it prepares players for the main squad. This is especially important considering the regulation requiring at least three Armenian players in the starting lineup. And I must say, these guys are truly of very high quality.”

The Portugal vs. Armenia match will take place today, November 16, starting at 18:00 Yerevan time.