Spertsyan ahead of Latvia match: “Tomorrow’s game will open a new chapter in Armenian football history”

Armenia begin their 2026/27 UEFA Nations League campaign at home to Latvia on September 25. The team face four matches in a short period and enter the competition with several players unavailable. At the pre-match press conference, captain Eduard Spertsyan acknowledged that the schedule would be demanding but stressed that the players are focused on the opening game.

For Spertsyan, the match marks a return to the national team after three months with his new club in Saudi Arabia. He discussed his form, spoke about newcomer Artur Garibyan and explained what could help Armenia against Latvia. The captain also answered questions about his position on the pitch, the national team’s new kit and Armenia’s chances of winning the group.

Eduard Spertsyan’s press conference ahead of the Latvia match

On his form and return to the national team

“There are a lot of competitions in Saudi Arabia, and we play every four days. The team is good, and I’m gaining experience. I missed the Armenian national team a lot; it’s a great honour for me to play for my country. So I’m happy to be here now. We have four difficult matches ahead, but we’re ready. We’ve played Latvia many times, but there’s no point looking back. We’re living in the present, and tomorrow will be a completely different game. The team is in a fighting mood. We have a great atmosphere, and I hope it helps us get positive results.”

On Artur Garibyan

“I’ve spoken with Artur Garibyan. He’s a talented, promising footballer with a big future ahead of him. We’re very happy that he has joined the Armenian national team, and I wish him all the best.”

On what to expect against Latvia

“I can’t say how the game against Latvia will go. If we do our jobs properly, it will be a good match. It’s important for us to control the ball and win our duels.”

On playing four matches in a short period

“I can’t say right now; we’re focused only on tomorrow’s match for the time being. Of course, the schedule is difficult, but there’s nothing we can do about it. We need to remain professional.”

On Yeghishe Melikyan’s comments about players declining to play for the national team

“I think we should only talk and think about tomorrow’s match.”

On the national team’s new kit

“The kit is excellent, with pleasant and familiar colours. In reality, the colour of the kit doesn’t matter; the main thing is to win the match. We play for our country, and God willing, this will be a winning kit. Looking at our team, I can say with confidence that tomorrow’s game will open a new chapter in Armenian football history.”

Asked whether the Armenian alphabet letters on the kit might help players who do not yet know them learn them, Spertsyan replied:

“Perhaps. We’ll see.”

On his position on the pitch

“It doesn’t matter to me; every coach has their own vision of the game. It doesn’t matter to me which position I play. I don’t always play very deep for the national team, and I take part in attacks. At my club, I also often play closer to the defence. So I’m comfortable playing that way for the national team; there’s no problem.”

On Armenia’s chances of winning the group

“There’s always a chance in every game. Everything depends on us, and I’m not looking too far ahead yet. Our team is highly motivated, and tomorrow we’ll begin the fight.”