Sandro Perković: "We are ready for everything and will do everything to get past Ferencváros"

The head coach of Armenian side Noah, Sandro Perković, held a press conference ahead of the second-leg match of the UEFA Champions League second qualifying round against Hungarian champions Ferencváros. The match will take place on July 30 in Budapest.

It should be reminded that the first match was held in Abovyan and ended in a 2-1 victory for Ferencváros.

Sandro Perković's press conference before the second leg against Ferencváros

"We analyzed the first game, we learned where we were strong and where we need to improve. As for the tactics for the match – I can’t reveal them, as I don’t want to make the opponent’s task easier. We are very happy to be here. It is a pleasure to play at this level. We will do everything possible to be competitive on the pitch and to achieve a good result. I hope that tomorrow we can show everything we have been preparing for."

"In the first game, in certain moments we could have made better decisions, but I want to point out that Ferencváros is a very strong team and it’s difficult to play against them. We have been preparing to be better specifically in the final phase of our attacks and we hope to show everything we have planned tomorrow."

"I think that for any footballer it is easier to play in front of packed stands, even if all the fans are against you. It’s much better than playing in front of empty stands. I am sure this will have a positive effect on our players. It gives the players more aggression and drive to play. We are very happy to play in such an atmosphere."

"In the first match we managed to play out from the opponent’s pressing – that is our strong side. We are ready for everything, we have a plan A and a plan B, and I hope everything will work out for us."

"No press or criticism can put pressure on me. I worked at Dinamo Zagreb, and there the media always write something. I am used to it. In general, I put the most pressure on myself and on the players so that they play better."

"After the match with Ferencváros we played a friendly against Gandzasar, as our league has not yet started and there are many players in the team who could not all get playing time in the Champions League. But I need every footballer in the squad, so we organized a friendly so that everyone could get match practice. In a few days the Armenian league will start, and every player must be ready to take the field."

"In the first match Ferencváros did not surprise us – there were no surprises. What we saw in their friendlies, we also saw on the pitch. I respect the opponent a lot – they are a great team with an excellent coach, but I will do everything to beat them. As for our strength – it is team spirit. Noah had a great last season, and we already have a winning mindset. That is very important."

Question about comparing the Armenian and Croatian leagues and where Noah could finish in Croatia:

"It is very difficult to compare two different leagues. In Croatia there are four big clubs and strong players, led by a fantastic national team that shows outstanding results. Players from these clubs make it into the Croatian national team. As for Noah, I would consider the season successful if we repeat last year’s success – win the league and the cup, and also play in the main stage of one of the European tournaments. Perhaps in the winter we will organize friendlies with Croatian clubs, and then I will be able to compare the level more accurately."