Military Service Puts the Future of the National Team at Risk. Melikyan Talks About the Main Problem in Armenian Football

Armenia national team head coach Yeghishe Melikyan held a closed press conference ahead of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Hungary and Portugal. During the meeting, he addressed several key topics: Tigran Barseghyan’s red card against Ireland, the atmosphere within the team, his relationship with the leadership of the Football Federation of Armenia (FFA), and the future of Armenian football.

On Tigran Barseghyan’s Red Card Against Ireland

Commenting on the incident that led to captain Tigran Barseghyan’s dismissal in Dublin, Melikyan stressed that the situation should not be exaggerated:

“The episode with Tigran Barseghyan in the match against Ireland is not a conflict, just an unfortunate moment. He received a red card — this happens in football. There was no argument in the dressing room afterward. Those rumors are false,” Melikyan said, denying speculation about a conflict between him and the player.

The coach also revealed that after the match, Barseghyan wanted to make a public statement — to apologize and announce his retirement from the national team:

“After the game, Tigran wanted to apologize publicly and say that he was retiring from the national team, but I did not allow it,” Melikyan explained, adding that such a decision would have been emotional and premature.

He emphasized that the team atmosphere remains disciplined and healthy:

“The atmosphere in the national team is very good, and I will never allow indiscipline to take root.”

Barseghyan was suspended for three matches for headbutting an opponent during the confrontation. He will miss the remaining qualifiers against Hungary and Portugal, as well as one additional official match. Later, on November 4, the player issued an official apology, acknowledging that he let his emotions get the best of him.

On Past Disagreements with FFA Leadership

Melikyan also commented on his previous disagreements with the Football Federation of Armenia:

“My dispute with the FFA leadership was never about pride. They never said anything offensive to me. I was the one who criticized, and it was always for Pyunik’s benefit. Time has shown that we now have good working relations. As for football — I will always be in football. This is my field. I must work in Armenian football.”

He added that he is now fully focused on the national team:

“I came to the national team because I felt I needed to. There are indeed many problems, and I am here to find solutions. Everything else is secondary. I will leave only if our agreements are not followed.”

According to Melikyan, all issues he has raised so far have been resolved by the FFA promptly and constructively.

On the Current Situation and Future Prospects

Melikyan pointed out that the lack of results is not only present in the senior national team, but also in the youth and junior squads:

“Yes, there are problems — I’ve talked about them for years. But we want to solve them through unity and daily work. We regularly meet with coaches of the youth teams, discuss the situation, and analyze it.”

He believes that progress will come gradually:

“Nothing changes overnight. I’m not here to pretend everything can be fixed in one step. We are moving forward steadily. In one or two years, we will have a dressing room like a tight fist — ready to fight for results.”

Melikyan also highlighted the serious issue of player shortages and the effect of mandatory military service:

“Right now I can call up 25 players, but some of them may disappear from football in a season, and there may be no one to replace them. We have young players with potential, but if they do not receive deferments from military service, they will leave football. We are currently working on resolving this issue.”

Melikyan also announced that Eduard Spertsyan has been named the new captain of the Armenian national team and commented on the absence of Lucas Zelarayán.

Melikyan’s press conference clearly demonstrated his approach: calm, consistent, and focused on long-term development. He advocates discipline, stability within the team, and systematic problem-solving across all levels — from the senior squad to youth teams.

His main message: Armenian football can move forward, but it will require time, collective effort, and trust in the process.