The Dutch specialist John van't Schip held his first press conference as the head coach of the Armenian national team.
Before the match against the Georgian national team, which will take place on March 20, John van't Schip answered all the journalists' questions.
— How do you evaluate the Georgian national team, and what are your impressions of Georges Mikautadze, whom you worked with at Ajax?
— I faced the Georgian national team when I was coaching Greece. I know that over the past three years, they have made significant progress, as evidenced by their participation in EURO 2024. They are a very tough opponent but also a good challenge for us, as well as an example of how a small country can achieve great results in football. Unfortunately, at Ajax, I did not give Mikautadze much playing time because we had other main strikers at the time. However, I must note that he managed to overcome this and is now performing very well at Lyon.
— What are your impressions of the Armenian national team in your first days as head coach?
— In reality, we’ve had very little time to get acquainted. However, I have already seen great desire and determination in the players.
— What attracted you to the Armenian national team project, and why did you decide to accept the offer?
— After working at Ajax, I was looking for an opportunity to work with a national team again, as I did with Greece. I visited Armenia in 2019 with the Greek national team and was impressed with the local infrastructure even then. So, I gladly accepted the offer from the Armenian Football Federation and am ready to help Armenian football in any way I can.
— What can you say about the players from the Armenian league and the possible call-up of Karen Nalbandyan? Why wasn’t he called up this time?
— We have been in Armenia for four weeks now and have watched many matches of the local championship. I want to emphasize that the doors to the national team are open to all players. Everyone who deserves it will be called up. We have already invited several new players and will continue to give opportunities to those who earn a place in the national team.
— What can you bring to the Armenian national team, and what can the Armenian national team give you?
— This is a long-term process. Over time, we will get to know the local players better. I believe Armenian players have the opportunity to constantly improve their skills and eventually aim for the top leagues in the world. There are many young and experienced players in the Armenian league who demonstrate a high level. I am pleasantly surprised by the level of the local championship.
— We know that your contract follows a 1+1 scheme. What are the objectives set for the match against Georgia and in the longer term?
— The main goal is to prepare for the 2026 World Cup qualifiers and perform successfully there. As for the upcoming match against Georgia, we will try to show the highest quality football possible.
— We have seen training videos where you play alongside the players. Will you be able to step onto the field tomorrow?
— No, of course not, I don’t have an Armenian passport (smiles). In general, I know my place—I am the coach. However, I enjoy being able to play and staying in good physical shape. I still have a good shot and technique, but my role is to teach. During training, I simply set an example and try to be involved in the process.
— Describe your impressions of Armenia in three words.
— Wonderful food, great weather, and a beautiful city—Yerevan. As for football, I am happy to see the players' involvement, energy, and passion.
— What can you say about the Georgian national team?
— Georgia played well in the Nations League and at EURO 2024. They are a strong and experienced team. Unfortunately, Eduard Spertsyan and Lucas Zelarayán—two key players—will not be available for us tomorrow. But on the other hand, this is an opportunity for other players to prove themselves.
— What do you think about the foreign player limit in the Armenian championship?
— I support a system in which as many Armenian players as possible get playing time in the league.