Yura Movsisyan ahead of Armenia vs Latvia: “The main thing is for young players not to be afraid to show what they can do”

Former Armenia striker Yura Movsisyan spoke to the Insaydyan Telegram channel about his expectations for the national team’s Nations League campaign. Ahead of the home match against Latvia, he discussed Armenia’s injury problems, newcomer Artur Garibyan’s potential and head coach Yeghishe Melikyan’s work.

“I always have the highest expectations for the Armenia national team. I hope the young players gain experience alongside the more experienced footballers,” Movsisyan said.

Asked whether the large number of injuries would become a serious problem, the former striker suggested seeing the situation as an opportunity for younger players:

“It depends on how we look at it. We have a lot of young players, and they will have a chance to play in these matches. The main thing is for the young footballers not to be afraid to show what they can do.”

Movsisyan assesses Artur Garibyan’s potential

Movsisyan also spoke about 20-year-old striker Artur Garibyan, who has received his first call-up to Armenia’s senior team. He highlighted Garibyan’s performance for Rodina against Zenit, when the forward scored twice.

“That was probably the best match of his career. He has very unusual attributes: any club would want a striker with qualities like his. I hope he becomes a leader for Armenia. If Garibyan gains a little more experience and gets regular playing time, he can grow into a great striker. He has the potential to become a leader for both his club and the national team.”

“I believe in Yeghishe Melikyan”

Movsisyan also backed Melikyan’s comments about footballers who put their club careers ahead of playing for the national team. He said he knows from personal experience how difficult the path back into the Armenia squad can be.

The former striker stressed that young players benefit from having experienced teammates around them, regardless of age. He pointed to Roman Berezovsky, who played for Armenia until he was 42, and said he had learned a great deal from him.

Speaking about the head coach, Movsisyan urged people not to draw hasty conclusions from the upcoming results:

“I believe in Yeghishe Melikyan. He is the coach the Armenia national team needs. Even if the team fails in the Nations League, we should not immediately start thinking about the coach leaving.”

The Armenia vs Latvia match in the opening round of the Nations League will take place in Yerevan on September 25. Kick-off is at 8:00 p.m. local time.