Sandro Perković: “Noah Will Play Even Better in the Second Leg”

Noah head coach Sandro Perković reflected on the Armenian club’s first-leg match against Moldovan side Zimbru in the second qualifying round of the UEFA Conference League.

The match in Chișinău ended in a 1–1 draw. The hosts opened the scoring in the 43rd minute through Ștefan Bîță. Noah controlled the initiative for most of the game, attacked more frequently and won nine corners. One of them led to the equaliser in the 88th minute.

After the match, Perković assessed his team’s performance, spoke about how the new signings were adapting and explained several of his selection decisions.

Sandro Perković’s Press Conference After Zimbru 1–1 Noah

Sandro Perković’s opening remarks:

“This was a typical first match of the season. We knew that Zimbru were a good team with experience and quality. We made some simple tactical mistakes, but overall, we controlled the game.

“We had a clear-cut chance to open the scoring, but a few minutes later we conceded ourselves. Fortunately, we managed to equalise near the end.

“I would like to thank all the supporters who travelled to back us in this away match. I would also encourage everyone to attend our home game next Thursday. We need their energy.”

Why did the team repeatedly seem to lack something in the final phase of its attacks?

“That is a good question. We did indeed have problems with our finishing. We lacked creativity and confidence, and at times we made the wrong decisions.

“I think that in such situations, we need to be braver, take more risks and win more individual duels. Unfortunately, not everything worked out for us, but we still created several genuinely good goalscoring opportunities.

“I would also like to highlight the way we controlled the game and how often we attacked.”

Gor Manvelyan and Hovhannes Hambardzumyan made a strong impact after coming on. Why were they introduced so late? Noah had many corners, and perhaps Manvelyan could have helped the team make better use of them had he come on earlier.

“Yes, you are right. They improved our performance. We are very pleased to have players like them in the squad.

“We wanted to start the match with Boakye, which is why Hambardzumyan remained on the bench. In any case, I am satisfied with every player who took part in the match.

“One of Manvelyan’s strengths is his corner-kick delivery. Even in the short time he spent on the pitch, he had several opportunities to take corners, and one of those deliveries resulted in a goal.

“I am pleased with how all the players responded to the changes we made during the match.”

Several players made their Noah debuts in this match. Are you satisfied with the new signings’ form and how they are adapting to the team, or do they still have room for improvement?

“We need time for all the new players to fully adapt to the team and to our requirements. We lost around 15 players this summer. Almost half of the squad has changed, so we need time to develop our teamwork.

“That said, I am pleased with how the players are working and performing. We knew it would be a difficult match. Zimbru have their own playing style, and they have already started their domestic league season, whereas this was our first competitive match.

“I think we will improve with every passing day.”

Many people in Moldova and Armenia consider Noah the favourites in this tie. Not every coach likes their team being called the favourite, as it can create additional pressure. Are there situations in which that status can actually help?

“I think those things matter more to the supporters. For me, the coaching staff and the players, the most important thing is to play for the full 90 minutes and remain completely focused on our work.

“We will analyse today’s match and continue improving. We will prepare for the second leg and, hopefully, celebrate qualification for the next round at home.”

There were several controversial refereeing decisions today. You are already accustomed to playing with VAR. How difficult was it to play without the video assistant referee system, which is not used at this stage of the Conference League?

“I do not want to comment on the referees’ performance. To be honest, I like VAR, although recently the system has had too much influence on the decisions made on the pitch.

“At the same time, I am more of an old-school football person who believes the final decision should be made by the referee on the pitch.”

Last season, Sergey Muradyan and Pablo Santos Sainz formed the first-choice centre-back partnership. Why did Muradyan not play today, and how would you assess new signing Stone Mambo’s performance?

“Sergey Muradyan is one of the most important players in the team. He suffered a serious injury at the end of last season. During pre-season, he was unable to train fully with the team. He also missed a significant part of our tactical preparation.

“Sergey only recently returned to full training. I am very pleased with how his recovery is progressing. I think he will soon be completely ready to play.

“Muradyan is one of the best players of his age. I hope he will work even harder this season and continue to progress. I have big plans for him.

“Today, I chose the Sainz–Mambo partnership. We will see what happens in the second leg.”

Aram Khamoyan played well in the first half but was substituted at half-time. What was the reason for that decision?

“Aram played well during the time he was on the pitch. His substitution was made purely for tactical reasons.”

Noah had more possession than their opponents today. Is your team more comfortable taking the initiative or playing on the counterattack?

“I like my teams to have possession. Noah are a club that should dominate on the pitch.

“Today, we created many chances, had many shots and won a large number of corners. Yes, we were unable to make the most of all our opportunities, but this was our first competitive match of the season.

“Overall, I am pleased with the team’s performance, and I am confident that we will play even better in the second leg.”