Tulipa ahead of Shamrock Rovers clash: “We love these challenges and can play against strong teams”

“Ararat-Armenia” head coach Manuel Tulipa spoke about the team’s preparations for the clash with Irish side Shamrock Rovers in the second qualifying round of the UEFA Champions League, assessed the opponent, highlighted the importance of ball possession, and discussed the squad situation ahead of the first leg.

The first leg of the UEFA Champions League second qualifying round between Ararat-Armenia and Shamrock Rovers will take place on July 21 in Yerevan at the Vazgen Sargsyan Republican Stadium.

Ahead of the match, Ararat-Armenia head coach Manuel Tulipa answered journalists’ questions at a press conference.

Manuel Tulipa’s press conference

— What is your opinion of Shamrock Rovers?

— They are a team that is used to playing at this level. They play English-style football — physically strong, with quick counterattacks. They have an advantage in terms of physical condition because they are in the middle of their season and have more competitive matches under their belt.

We have studied this team very well — both their matches from the current season and from the previous one. They have an established style of play and are a well-organized, cohesive team. We have to give 100% to win this tie.

Our main task is to have confident control of the ball, play out from their pressing, and create space behind the opponents’ defensive line.

— You have been working with Ararat-Armenia for a little over a year, while Shamrock Rovers’ head coach has been in charge of the team for around 10 years. The Irish side also have significant European experience. How much can this affect the outcome?

— Of course, it is important when a coach has worked with a team for a long time and has already achieved certain successes. This is my second season at the club, but our coaching staff has completed all the tasks set by the management, and the players adapted to our demands very quickly.

Our team loves these challenges. We want to and can play against the strongest opponents. Our players feel more confident when they face strong teams. It helps me communicate my ideas and implement my football philosophy.

During matches, I can quickly influence the course of the game, make substitutions and tactical adjustments because the players understand my requirements and our style very well. We can change the way we play depending on the opponent’s actions.

— The Irish league is currently in full swing, and Shamrock Rovers are in good form. How could this affect the tie?

— This is the main difference between the teams. Shamrock are in good competitive shape, while we have a lack of match practice. But this does not scare us.

There are solutions to this as well. With smart decisions and quality football, we can compensate for the lack of competitive rhythm.

The most important thing for us is to control the ball. This is my style: we need to dominate possession and dictate the conditions of the game. But Shamrock also like to play this way, so the team that manages to impose its style better will have the advantage.

— How did your team manage to turn around the second leg against Riga after conceding two goals in the first half?

— When you are two goals down, you have no choice but to take risks and make bold decisions. We made important changes, moved Hugo Oliveira’s position, and brought on Armen Hambardzumyan. We were able to find more free space, increased our pressing, and thanks to that we scored two goals.

— What is the current condition of Alexandros Malis? Are you ready to use a three-centre-back formation?

— Malis has recovered from his injury and is ready to play. We are considering the option of using three centre-backs.

If the opponent relies on long balls and crosses, we may need three central defenders. This formation can also help us build up more effectively against pressing.

It does not necessarily mean we will play this way for the entire match, but at certain moments we can use a five-defender setup.

— Shamrock Rovers lost 0-2 to Floriana in Malta. What do you think caused such an unsuccessful performance from the Irish side?

— I carefully studied Shamrock’s last three matches — the game in Malta, the return leg, and their Irish Cup match. All three games were very different.

In Malta, the teams played on an artificial pitch, and that changes many things. Floriana defended very well in the first match, which allowed them to win.

However, in the second leg, with all due respect to Floriana and their Portuguese coach, they chose an unusual tactical approach and defensive strategy. Almost all duels were won by Shamrock, and their attacks often resulted in dangerous chances and goals.

In the second match, Shamrock Rovers defeated Floriana 5-1 and advanced to the second qualifying round of the UEFA Champions League with a 5-3 aggregate score. At the previous stage, Ararat-Armenia eliminated Latvian side Riga with a 4-3 aggregate score.

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