Viktor Goncharenko: I have excellent relations with both Spertsyan and Tiknizyan

Belarus national team head coach Viktor Goncharenko spoke at a press conference ahead of the match against Armenia and recalled his experience working with Armenia internationals Eduard Spertsyan and Nair Tiknizyan.

“Within my capabilities as a coach, I recommended that Spertsyan move to a stronger league. Of course, he plays for a very good club where he is loved and respected. But I would really like him to follow the path of Mkhitaryan, who has had a very rich international career.
Given his qualities, Spertsyan is fully capable of following in those footsteps.

As for Nair Tiknizyan, he has gone through quite a long journey with me. When young players join a club like CSKA, they need time to prove themselves. Usually, players spend about two years between the first team and the reserves, and if they progress, they are promoted to the main squad — that’s exactly what happened with Nair.
His move from Lokomotiv to Red Star is a step up to a high level.

Speaking about the chances of Belarus and Armenia qualifying for the World Cup and European Championship, Goncharenko noted:
“Without belief, you cannot start working. We must keep knocking, and sooner or later the doors will open.”

It is worth noting that Goncharenko previously coached CSKA Moscow and Krasnodar.

The Armenia vs Belarus match will take place on March 29 at 18:00 Yerevan time (17:00 Moscow time).