“I didn’t want us to drop back”: Melikyan explains the closing stages against Montenegro

Armenia head coach Yeghishe Melikyan answered reporters’ questions after his side’s 2–3 defeat to Montenegro in the second round of the UEFA Nations League. Armenia equalised twice but conceded the decisive goal in the 89th minute. Melikyan discussed a disputed incident before Montenegro’s first goal, the reasons for his substitutions and preparations for the away match against Cyprus on October 2.

Yeghishe Melikyan’s press conference after Armenia vs Montenegro (2–3)

— How do you assess the match? Did the refereeing decisions affect the result?

— I don’t want to complain about the refereeing because I don’t want it to look as though I’m making excuses. But I’m unhappy with it: I believe there was a foul on Erik Piloyan before Montenegro’s first goal. I don’t want to say any more about that.

We had plans A and B. We followed plan A in the first half and changed our style after the break. We had the upper hand in the second half and put them under good pressure. It’s a shame we couldn’t get a positive result. We apologise to the fans and thank them for their support.

We were very upset after the match. There were individual mistakes that we were punished for, but overall I’m pleased with the players. I saw their commitment to the team, and I’m sure this team has a good future. We’ll keep fighting. I take all the responsibility and pressure on myself; the players should focus on preparing for the next match.

— Late in the game, it looked as though Armenia could score a third goal, but the team dropped deeper and allowed Montenegro more possession. Why couldn’t you keep up the pressure?

— At 2–2, we had no intention of retreating into defence. I could see during the game that we could win, and I kept signalling to the players to push forward. But you have to consider their physical condition: the squad includes debutants and players who haven’t had much playing time. We began to drop deeper, although I didn’t want us to. Montenegro, meanwhile, went for the win and brought on fresh players.

— Before the match, you said it was important at least not to lose to Montenegro in the race for first place. How do you rate the team’s chances now?

— It’s too early to talk about that: there are still four matches to play. It’s very disappointing to have dropped points, but nothing is lost. We have players missing, and after two games we have few options left for rotation. I’ll try to get the most out of this squad. I believe in the players and think the team is moving in the right direction.

— How do you assess Ognen Čančarević’s performance? Was he at fault for any of the goals?

— Ognen is a very good and reliable goalkeeper. Yes, he made a mistake on the second goal by coming too far off his line. But that happens even to stars of world football. Overall, I’m pleased with him: he doesn’t panic, stays calm and plays with commitment. We’re fortunate to have him.

— Artur Miranyan started again. Why did you choose him instead of starting Artur Garibyan?

— That Miranyan wasn’t useful is your opinion. He pressed well and carried out his tactical duties. When a striker doesn’t score, his performance is often judged negatively. Given the players we’re missing, including Grant-Leon Ranos and Finn Geragusyan, we have to put our trust in Miranyan. He had problems at his club in the summer and didn’t play much, but he’s working hard now and doing everything he can.

We assessed Garibyan during the first days of the camp and realised he isn’t ready to start yet. Right now, he can play a maximum of 30–40 minutes. That’s the only reason he didn’t start.

— Narek Hovhannisyan started against Latvia, while Jirayr Shaghoyan came on and improved the team’s play. Today their roles were reversed. Which of them is closer to a starting place now?

— Right now, Narek Hovhannisyan is closer. But Shaghoyan came on against Latvia and provided an assist, so I trusted him with a starting place today. I wasn’t happy with his performance and substituted him at half-time. At the moment, Narek is our first-choice left winger.

— Was replacing Ugochukwu Iwu with Karlen Hovhannisyan a tactical decision, or was it related to Iwu’s condition?

— Both are very important to the team. Iwu recently returned from a lengthy injury and has only just started playing again. I felt he was very tired, so I substituted him. It will be difficult for him to play all four matches in this period.

I’m very pleased with Karlen. He’s also one of our key players, although tactical reasons may mean he doesn’t always start.

— How physically prepared is the team for the next two away matches?

— Of course, our physical condition won’t be perfect. On top of that, conceding so late was a psychological blow. Recovering from that may be even harder than recovering physically. We’ll work on it and do everything we can to prepare for the next matches.

— How do you assess Montenegro’s performance?

— Montenegro have an excellent team, especially their attacking players. I congratulate them on the win. I can’t say they didn’t deserve it. If we had won, that would have been deserved too, but Montenegro won today. They didn’t have many chances, yet the quality of their players allowed them to take them. We knew that was one of Montenegro’s strengths.

— What can you say about the upcoming match against Cyprus?

— Cyprus are a good team and played well against Montenegro. We need to prepare very seriously. To succeed away from home, we must play at least as well as we did today. If we play worse, it will be difficult to take three points.

— Artur Serobyan helped Artem Bandikyan defensively, while Jirayr Shaghoyan didn’t always track back. Was that part of your plan?

— No. That was one of the reasons I substituted Shaghoyan at half-time. He was supposed to help in defence. Everyone who puts on the national team shirt must feel the responsibility and give everything on the pitch. If a player leaves the pitch still fresh, he doesn’t understand which team he’s playing for. If I don’t see total commitment, that player won’t play for the national team.