Manuel Tulipa Ahead of Riga Match: “We Start the Second Leg at 0-0”

Ararat-Armenia head coach Manuel Tulipa answered questions from journalists ahead of the UEFA Champions League first qualifying round second leg against Latvia’s Riga.

The match will take place on July 14 at Skonto Stadium in Riga. The Armenian champions head into the game with a two-goal advantage after defeating Riga 2-0 in the first leg in Abovyan, with Hugo Oliveira and Carlos França scoring the goals.

Riga will be without first-choice goalkeeper Franks Orols in the return match after he was sent off during the second half of the first leg.

At the pre-match press conference, Manuel Tulipa spoke about the team’s preparations, possible changes to Riga’s approach, the adaptation of the new signings and the importance of having a prolific striker.

Manuel Tulipa’s Press Conference Ahead of Riga vs Ararat-Armenia

— There is an opinion that a 2-0 advantage is one of the most dangerous and deceptive leads in football. What do you think about that?

— I understand and accept that a two-goal advantage can be dangerous. Before the game, I told my players that we would start the second leg at 0-0.

The first match was only the first half of the tie. We won it, but the job is not finished yet. We will do everything possible to win tomorrow as well. To achieve a positive result, we must continue improving our game from one match to the next.

— How will Ararat-Armenia change their approach in the second leg, considering that the teams now know each other well?

— I think Riga will make more changes to their game and approach the match differently. They may alter their tactical formation because they are 2-0 down in the tie.

We have analysed not only our first meeting in detail but also similar situations Riga have faced in the past. We must be prepared for every possible scenario and understand how the opposing head coach may react to the current situation.

We remember Riga’s tie against Sparta Prague last year. The Latvian side lost the first match 2-0 but looked like a completely different team at home and won 1-0. It was not enough to advance to the next round, but Riga played in a completely different manner on their home ground.

That is why we cannot afford to lower our intensity or the tempo of the game.

— Ararat-Armenia have several new players in the squad. How well have they adapted to the team, and are they ready to receive more playing time?

— Some players joined the team relatively late, so it is not yet easy for them to adapt fully to our tactical model.

At the same time, we initially selected players who fit the team’s system and meet our requirements. They are intelligent footballers who are capable of quickly understanding our playing principles.

For me, it is easier to prepare a new player physically than to adapt him to our style of play. That is why team spirit and an understanding of collective play are especially important. We took these qualities into account when selecting the new players.

— What can you say about Michel Ayvazyan, who has returned to the team? How ready is he to play for the first team?

— To be honest, Michel has been a pleasant surprise for me. I really like his qualities and his profile as a player.

He is hardworking, wants to learn something new every day and approaches his work very professionally. I am sure Michel will get his opportunity. I have big plans for him. He is currently continuing to work and improve his physical condition.

— Last season, the team did not have one clear leading goalscorer. New forwards have now joined the squad. How important is it to have a player who scores regularly?

— Teams that win trophies usually have highly prolific forwards in their squads. Of course, I would like us to have such a player this season. However, if we look at last season, one of the main reasons for our success was that players in different positions contributed goals. Our full-backs, central defenders, midfielders and forwards all scored.

Having one outstanding goalscorer is not the only formula for success. Urartu, for example, had the league’s top scorer, but the team finished the season in fifth place.

There is no doubt that having such a striker is important. But if we become champions again without one main goalscorer, there will be no problem at all.