Manuel Tulipa: "We want to control the game and not adapt to the opponent"

Ahead of the first leg of the UEFA Conference League second qualifying round, Ararat-Armenia head coach Manuel Tulipa held a pre-match press conference dedicated to the upcoming clash with Romanian club Universitatea Cluj. The match will take place on July 24 in Yerevan and will mark the Portuguese coach's official debut with the Armenian side.

Tulipa’s Pre-Match Press Conference

"This will be my first official match with Ararat-Armenia. We had a month to prepare and did everything possible to reach the game in top form. We understand that our opponents are currently in a better position — they retained their coach and squad, so they have the advantage of cohesion. But our goal is to dictate the game and control possession," said Tulipa.

He emphasized that the team aims to win every match: "We're going step by step. Our coaching staff is here to improve the team’s game and achieve victories."

Before the first match, Ararat-Armenia suffered a personnel loss — newcomer striker Paul Ayongo was injured and will miss the game.

Tulipa also addressed the situation around Zhirayr Shaghoyan, who has recently been linked with European clubs: "We’ve spoken with him. Every player wants to develop and move to a stronger league. Zhirayr has excellent individual qualities, but he needs to become more of a team player — that’s the only way he’ll reach his full potential. He can play in three positions: both wings and as a No. 10."

Speaking about the opponent, the Portuguese coach noted that Universitatea Cluj uses two tactical models: "We've studied their style and know whom we need to neutralize in attack. But the most important thing is to impose our own game and not adapt to theirs."

Tulipa also shared that he had the opportunity to come to Armenia last season: "I watched 4–5 matches back then and saw that the country has good players. The league is of decent quality — at least five clubs meet an average European level. This is a challenge for me — it’s my first time working abroad."

Finally, he praised the club’s transfer campaign: "I’m very satisfied, but recruitment is ongoing. We’re paying close attention not only to football skills but also to human qualities."

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