Melikyan compares Moldova with Armenia’s future Nations League opponents

Armenia national team head coach Yeghishe Melikyan has commented on the upcoming friendly match against Moldova and explained why this game is important for the national team.

On June 9, Armenia will play their second friendly match of the month. After a draw against Kazakhstan, Yeghishe Melikyan’s team will face Moldova in Yerevan. The match will take place at the Vazgen Sargsyan Republican Stadium and will kick off at 19:00 Yerevan time.

Speaking at the pre-match press conference, Melikyan noted that the current schedule is important for preparing for the official matches in the autumn. According to the coach, the national team needs to understand how well the players can recover and perform in a similar rhythm.

“We needed this kind of schedule because we will face a similar situation in the autumn. These friendly matches are an opportunity for us to check how well the team is recovering and how ready we will be for the Nations League matches,” Melikyan said.

The Armenia head coach also confirmed that fans will see changes in the lineup against Moldova. Some players who performed well against Kazakhstan will not start, as the coaching staff wants to test other players.

“There will be changes in the squad. Tomorrow you will see newcomers on the pitch, and some of them will be in the starting lineup for the first time. I understand that all of us need a win, but we have a direction and goals for the future. In order to understand what each player is capable of, we need experiments,” Melikyan noted.

According to the coach, taking risks in friendly matches is justified, because this is the right time for the staff to get answers before official games.

“I have taken these risks. If they pay off, it will be easier for us in the autumn. If not, we will have time to think and make changes,” the national team coach added.

Melikyan also spoke separately about the opponent. He compared Moldova with the teams Armenia will face in the Nations League.

“Moldova are very similar to Cyprus and Latvia. They have a similar style of play and are roughly at the same level. That is why it is important for our friendly opponents to be close to the teams we will face in official matches,” Melikyan said.

The coach also responded to criticism directed at him. According to Melikyan, he is not afraid of responsibility and understands the tasks he has with the national team.

“I don’t need to be forgiven. I know my job and my place very well. I will never be in a position where someone has to forgive me or not forgive me. People may believe in me or not believe in me. I am not afraid of losing my job or anything else. Whether everything works out or not, we will see, but I am confident that I can help the national team, and we are on the right path,” Melikyan said.

The head coach emphasized that he accepts criticism, but believes it is important for expectations around the team to remain realistic.

“The national team has had problems, and I have spoken about them openly. We should not forget about those problems. Let’s think together and move forward. I accept criticism, but the demands must be realistic,” Melikyan noted.

Midfielder Narek Grigoryan also spoke at the press conference. He said that he is in good form and that there are no problems with team unity. According to the player, all members of the squad want to please the fans with a victory.

The Armenia vs Moldova friendly match will take place on June 9 in Yerevan. The game will kick off at 19:00.