Melikyan before the match against Hungary: “We are ready for any result — the main thing is to fight”

Armenia national team head coach Yeghishe Melikyan held a press conference ahead of the 2026 World Cup qualifier against Hungary. The match will take place on November 13 in Yerevan. In the first encounter in Budapest, Hungary won 2–0.

Yeghishe Melikyan’s press conference before the match against Hungary

— There are some absentees and new players. What condition is the team in ahead of the match against Hungary?

— The team is mentally ready for the game. We have important losses, but at the same time, it’s a chance to see new players in action — a good opportunity to play with a refreshed lineup. Four or five players will be missing compared to previous games. For me, this is a great challenge and an opportunity for analysis — these matches will help us evaluate our chosen direction. On the one hand, I’m glad to have this opportunity. Whether we win tomorrow or not — I don’t know. We are ready for victory, a draw, or even a defeat. The most important thing is that we’re ready to fight.

— What is the team’s mental state after the October matches?

— We’ve worked a lot on that. It’s very important for me that there’s a healthy atmosphere, positivity, and good spirit in the team. I think we’ve solved many of the issues in a short time. We’ve eliminated the rumors about problems inside the team. I’m 90% sure we’ve handled that, and we’re continuing to work on it. The defeats in October didn’t have a negative effect on us — on the contrary, they gave us material for analysis.

— Armenia still has mathematical chances to qualify from the group. How realistic do you think that is, and are you willing to take risks?

— Yes, there’s still a chance, but I believe it’s small. As long as the chance exists, we must fight. But my goal with the national team wasn’t necessarily to achieve results this autumn. Of course, I would have liked that. But my real task is to build a competitive team — that’s what I’m doing, and I’m satisfied with the progress. At the same time, we really want to win. As long as we have a chance, we’ll give it everything we have.

— There are issues in attack, especially on the left wing. At the same time, Armenia has two strong left-backs. Have you considered using Nair Tiknizyan further up the field and Edgar Grigoryan in defense?

— In friendly matches, we’ll try different options and do everything we couldn’t risk in official games. Through friendlies, I want to increase competition and test all deserving players. It’s very important to have healthy competition in the national team. No player should think he’s irreplaceable — everyone must fight for his place.

— You’re known for preferring tall strikers who can play with their back to goal and fight for the ball. This time Araik Eloyan has been called up. Do you think he can handle that role? Also, are you considering Sunderland’s Finn Heragousian in the near future — he’s also a tall, classic forward?

— Yes, I believe in Eloyan and other young players, but they must be tested in friendlies — in spring and summer. Then I’ll know better. By the way, tomorrow you’ll see a lineup where more than half the players are from the Armenian league. I don’t even remember when that last happened. Tomorrow, there will be more local players than those from abroad. That’s good, because local players should know that they are counted on too, and should strive to improve. I understand it’s a risk, but I’m not afraid — I know what I’m doing and why.

— In September, you called up Norberto Briasco Balekian, but he couldn’t come. Do you still count on him?

— I can’t say yet. For the upcoming matches, I haven’t considered him, and I don’t know what will happen later. I attend almost every match of the Armenian league. If I call up a foreign-based player, I must be sure he’s good enough for the starting lineup. If not — it’s better to have a local player in the squad.

— Do you already know how you’ll replace the four missing players?

— Of course. The lineup has been decided. But actually, there are five absentees — Artur Miranyan is also out due to injury, and he’s an important player for us. Overall, the lineup is set, and I believe in these players.

— Will Artyom Bandikyan get playing time in such a tough match?

— He’s only 20, and I believe he’ll be very helpful for us in the future and become an important player. For now, I’ve called him up to observe him. But if there’s a good reason to bring him on in the next matches, I’ll do it without hesitation. It will depend on how the game unfolds, but I can say that his level is not below the national team’s standard — so anything is possible.

— Sargis Adamyan is in good form now, playing in Germany’s Regionalliga — the same level as Grant-Leon Ranos. Are you considering bringing Adamyan back to the team?

— I can’t comment on that — it’s an internal matter, sorry.

— Narek Grigoryan will play under your guidance for the first time. He’s one of those who moved abroad from Armenia and secured a place there. What impression did he make on you?

— I count on him a lot, and I know him well. He’s a good player and a good person. Time will tell what role he’ll have in the national team.

— Now that the chances for second place are small, has the pressure on you and the players decreased?

— I’ll say that from the start, we didn’t have the goal of taking first or second place in the group. Our goal is to solve internal issues, build a strong collective, and find the right path. The upcoming matches are simply a good opportunity to work on many aspects. If we win — I’ll be very happy, but in any case, we’ll accomplish our objectives.

— After the first match against Hungary, you said that if you had a natural striker, you could have drawn or even won. Have you managed to change that since then?

— I don’t have the resources to change that in a month. I searched for such a player for a long time but didn’t find one. Still, with the players we have, we can fight Hungary and win.

— Was Hungary’s draw against Portugal a surprise for you?

— No. Hungary is a very strong team and capable of playing on equal terms with Portugal.

Armenia’s National Team Roster by Position for the Matches Against Hungary and Portugal

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