Roberto Martínez before the match against Armenia: “We must respect the opponent”
- Author: Vahe Hakobyan
- Sportaran
Portugal national team head coach Roberto Martínez held a press conference ahead of the 2026 World Cup qualifier against Armenia, which will take place on September 6 in Yerevan. The specialist emphasized that his team has no right to underestimate the opponent and that it is important to maintain discipline despite being the favorite.
“I will accept any result of tomorrow’s match”
Journalists asked the coach what outcome he considered acceptable.
“Talking about results is for the fans. I am focused only on the team’s game. It is the game that brings the result. But of course, I will accept any outcome of tomorrow’s match.”
“We must show personality”
Martínez noted that both teams had equal preparation time.
“Armenia will have huge support from their fans, and we must demonstrate character. This team will play very competitively, and we need to be on the same level.”
On Armenia’s new coach
The Portugal coach commented on the work of Yeghishe Melikyan, who recently took charge of Armenia.
“I know him from his time at the club level. He achieved success back then, and that is important. He knows his players very well. We expect to see a strong Armenia tomorrow and, possibly, new tactical decisions.”
“The main challenge is to reset after the Nations League victory”
“We expect the same from Armenia as from other opponents of Portugal. But a coaching change always brings emotional energy. For us, the main challenge is to reset our mindset after winning the Nations League. That’s what we want to do tomorrow.”
Atmosphere in Yerevan and the new coach’s influence
“There will be a big atmosphere here, passionate fans. The new coach of Armenia creates expectations and motivation. We understand that we must be ready for any tactical changes.”
On the players’ physical condition
“The international football calendar is tough: Nations League, Club World Cup, little rest… But at this level, you must be ready. The players are showing that they can handle these challenges.”
“We drew here twice…”
Martínez reminded of Portugal’s past results in Yerevan.
“We must adapt. We have huge respect for Armenia. Let’s not forget that we drew here twice in the last three matches. This highlights the difficulties we will face tomorrow.”
“It is important to keep concentration and discipline”
“In every match, we must give our maximum. That’s how we qualified for the Euros and won the Nations League. The key is to maintain discipline and focus until the very end.”
In memory of Diogo Jota
Journalists asked about the team’s mood after the tragedy involving Diogo Jota.
“Everyone deals with loss differently. It was very emotional. Diogo was part of the team and an important figure in the dressing room. He wanted to win the World Cup, and now he has become our motivation. We are also playing for him.”
Questions about the lineup and Ronaldo’s role
Martínez refused to reveal the starting lineup:
“I never speak about the starting lineup, only about the players. Today we have an important training session. We need to manage energy wisely because we have two matches in 72 hours. There will be rotations. We have versatile players like Nuno Tavares or João Neves, who can play in different positions.”
“Armenia–Portugal games have always been competitive”
In conclusion, the coach emphasized that the match would be a serious test.
“Games between Armenia and Portugal have always been competitive. A new stage, a new coach for the opponent — we respect Armenia. The most important thing for us is to compensate for their home advantage with our intensity and quality.”
The Armenia–Portugal match will take place on September 6 in Yerevan as part of the 2026 World Cup qualification. The Armenia national team, led by Yeghishe Melikyan, is counting on fan support and will try to challenge one of the group favorites.
Kickoff — 20:00 local time at the Republican Stadium.
Yeghishe Melikyan: “Portugal has weaknesses, and we will try to use them.”
How Cristiano Ronaldo and the Portugal national team were welcomed in Yerevan (VIDEO).