Ararat-Armenia coach ahead of the return leg: "The chances are equal, we will do everything to advance"

Ararat-Armenia head coach Manuel Tulipa shared his expectations ahead of the second qualifying round return leg of the UEFA Conference League against Universitatea Cluj. The match will take place on July 31 in Cluj. The first leg in Yerevan ended in a 0-0 draw.

Manuel Tulipa’s pre-match press conference

On the team's physical condition
"In the first half of the first match we did not look good, but in the second half we managed to recover and level the game. We had many chances, goal opportunities. We really could have won if we had converted those chances," Tulipa noted.

On the opponent and the chances of advancing
"Everything we saw in the first match makes me believe that we are not the underdog in this game. The chances are equal. The more complete and richer team doesn’t always win: teamwork and individual actions can decide the outcome," the coach said.

Tulipa also commented on the difference in preparation for the return match:
"I don’t see it as a problem that Universitatea Cluj played a league match and we didn’t. Yes, they had less time to prepare, but we are at the start of the season, when players are not yet so tired. If it were the middle or the end of the season, we would have the advantage, but not now. Cluj has several very strong players, and we must do everything to neutralize them."

On working in Armenia
"This is my first time working in a foreign club, and I was very well received in Yerevan and in the team. I really want to help Ararat-Armenia reach the next round and bring joy to the city. This is also very important for the players and their development," the coach emphasized.