Sandro Perković: “For us, the match will start from 0-0, we want to win again”

Noah’s head coach, Sandro Perković, shared his expectations ahead of the second leg of the UEFA Conference League play-off against Slovenian side Olimpija Ljubljana. In the first leg, the Armenian team claimed a confident 4-1 away victory, moving closer to reaching the group stage of European competitions. The return match will take place on August 28 in Abovyan.

On the opponent and the team’s mindset
“We thoroughly analyzed the first game to understand what we can improve. We respect Olimpija a lot — they are the champions of their country. But we also believe in our own strengths and qualities, we are confident that we deserve to play in the group stage of European competitions, and we will prove it on the pitch,” said Perković.

According to the coach, the team intends to meet the fans’ expectations:
“It’s hard to imagine what even higher quality game our fans expect from us after the first leg, but we will do everything possible not to disappoint them.”

On the choice in defense
Asked about the central defensive duo of Muradyan and Silva, who have played all the European matches, Perković replied:
“We don’t have irreplaceable players. In the European competition squad, we have three central defenders, including Zolotić, who has already played in the league. I’m satisfied with all of them, we’ll see who starts tomorrow.”

On last year’s experience
Journalists reminded about last year, when Noah beat Ružomberok 3-0 but nearly lost their advantage in the second leg. Perković assured that the team has learned its lesson:
“I know Noah’s history and that European campaign well. But that is the past. Tomorrow’s game will start for us from 0-0, and we want to win it. I can guarantee that the team will give its maximum to make the fans happy.”

On preparation for the match
“We had a whole week to prepare. We had good training sessions, all the players in the squad are ready. I think Olimpija won’t change their game much, but they will surely attack more and take more risks. That will give us space, and we’ll try to use it,” the coach noted.