Sandro Perković: "I want Noah to play modern and intense football"

Football Club Noah has entered a new chapter in its history — the team is now led by 41-year-old Croatian specialist Sandro Perković. The former head coach of Dinamo Zagreb and former assistant to renowned managers like Fabio Cannavaro and Nenad Bjelica gave his first interview as the coach of Armenia’s champions.

Sandro Perković shared his first impressions of the club, his coaching style, relationship with players, the importance of the Champions League, and his goals with Noah .

— My name is Sandro Perković. I came from Croatia, and my last club was Dinamo Zagreb. I hope that all my knowledge and efforts together with my coaching staff will bring results and benefit the fans. I know how happy they are now, and I am very glad to become Noah 's coach and to join Armenian football.

— If you ask my former players about me, I don't know what exactly they’d say, but I’m sure it will be something positive. I always try to be honest and do everything possible to help players become even better — both as footballers and as people. I maintain good relationships with most of my players even after leaving a team. So I think the feedback would be positive.

— I first heard of FC Noah last summer when they defeated Greek side AEK. I was truly surprised. After that, I started looking up information about the team — the country they’re from, the players they have. Then I followed them closely, watched their next match against Slovakian side Ružomberok, who had beaten Croatian club Hajduk. I saw how Noah qualified for the main stage of the Conference League.

— I came here with great pleasure, especially since the team became Armenian champions. After conversations with the club president and some other team members, I decided to lead Noah .

— It's important that the club owner is involved in the entire process. I feel his support every day — it helps us move toward our goals.

— My coaching staff and I were warmly welcomed. Everyone in the club helped us during the first days — it made a big difference.

— I've only spent one day in Yerevan so far, but I’ve already seen our training base, and I’m very happy with the great facilities the club has.

— Noah’s main strength is the level and quality of the players. We have very experienced footballers who know how to win games. That’s crucial, and Noah has proved it in both the league and the cup, as well as by reaching the league stage of European competition.

— I've already seen that our players are professionals and love their work. They are all committed.

— I really enjoy working with young players. I always give them the chance to show themselves and help them ignite their inner fire. Even after making it to the first team, they must keep working and improving. I can already see that our young players have the qualities of true professionals, and that’s very encouraging. I'm eager to see how they develop.

— Every player must know that every training session is very important, but it’s also crucial how they behave off the pitch, how they prepare for games, and how they work on themselves.

— I always try to create a family-like atmosphere within the team.

— Yes, the Champions League is the best tournament in the world. Every moment matters: every pass, throw-in, or clearance. It’s the highest level, where any mistake can cost a lot. You must be ready for anything on the pitch.

— We will try to play modern football with high intensity. We’ll aim to dominate possession and initiative.

— I invite all fans to attend our matches and support us.

Let us remind you: Noah announced Sandro Perković’s appointment on June 14. Under his guidance, the team has gone to training camp in Austria. In the first qualifying round of the Champions League, the Armenian champions will face Montenegrin club Budućnost — the matches will take place on July 8 and 15.

Former Noah head coach Rui Mota has taken charge of Bulgarian side Ludogorets.