Vahe Gevorgyan: “We Respect CFR Cluj, but We Are Not Afraid of Anyone”

Alashkert head coach Vahe Gevorgyan spoke to the media ahead of the first leg of the UEFA Conference League second qualifying round against Romanian side CFR Cluj. The match will take place in Yerevan on July 23.

The Armenian club’s head coach discussed his team’s preparations, assessed the opponents’ strengths and called on the supporters to back Alashkert at the stadium.

— Has the team already moved on from the euphoria of the previous round, and is it ready for the upcoming tie?

— First of all, I would like to take this opportunity to thank the supporters who travelled such a long distance and backed us in Kazakhstan. I ask them to attend tomorrow’s match as well. I hope the dramatic ending to our previous game will bring even more supporters to the stadium.

As for the question, I agree that it is often difficult for a team to recover after experiencing such strong emotions, and that can affect the next match. However, football is an emotional game, and it is impossible to play without emotions. We worked calmly throughout the week. We always play with passion and emotion, and I am sure tomorrow’s match will also be an emotional one.

— What can you say about CFR Cluj? You have probably watched their matches against Pyunik four years ago. Are there any similarities between that CFR side and the current team?

— The matches against Pyunik took place quite a long time ago. A lot has changed since then, including the coach, so I did not study those particular games in detail. We have analysed the current CFR Cluj team very thoroughly. They have already played their first league match of the season.

They are a very strong team, and we all know the club has a rich history. We respect our opponents, but we are not afraid of anyone.

— CFR Cluj certainly have a rich history and have even played in the Champions League group stage. However, the last time they reached the main stage of a European competition was in the 2022/23 Conference League. Could the club currently be considered to be in a transitional period? How suitable an opponent are they for Alashkert, and which Armenian team do they resemble in terms of playing style?

— It is difficult to compare CFR Cluj with Armenian teams because every opponent in European competition has its own distinctive playing style. However, in terms of their approach, I would compare them with Urartu.

When they have possession, they try to create chaos, look for open spaces, enjoy controlling the ball and play a form of total football with frequent positional rotations. They are an interesting team.

— Is the team ready for the match? Are there any injured players?

— We are fully prepared for the match.

— CFR Cluj have only just started their season and have played one league match, while Alashkert have already played twice in European competition. Could your team have an advantage in terms of match sharpness and cohesion?

— We have played only one more competitive match, but I hope that will help us. The game will show how well prepared the teams are physically and functionally. I hope we will be the better-prepared side.

— What will be more important for you tomorrow: keeping a clean sheet or making sure you score?

— The most important thing is to win.

Alashkert began their UEFA Conference League campaign in the first qualifying round. Both matches against Kazakhstan’s Elimai ended in draws: 1–1 in Yerevan and 2–2 in Semey.

In the second leg, the Armenian side avoided defeat by equalising in the 120+1st minute before winning the penalty shootout 6–5.

CFR Cluj enter the competition in the second qualifying round. Before travelling to Yerevan, the Romanian club played its first match of the new domestic league season, suffering a 2–1 away defeat against Oțelul.