Well-known Armenian coach Yeghishe Melikyan summed up the results of the match of the 5th round of the League of Nations between the national teams of Armenia and Ukraine (0:5) held yesterday in Yerevan.
Eghishe Melikyan- Yeghishe, the Ukrainian team achieved a major victory in Yerevan. How did the wards of Alexander Petrakov succeed?
- Even before the start of the meeting in Yerevan, I said that the Ukrainian team would enter the football field very concentrated and attentive. The duel in Glasgow, of course, left its mark on the meeting in the capital of Armenia. It is clear that the Ukrainian football players were upset after the defeat in Scotland, but they did not lose heart. It was clear that the Ukrainians approached the reporting meeting with the right attitude and desire.
The Armenian national team plays according to the 4-4-2 scheme, and Alexander Petrakov moved away from the 3-4-3 scheme, believing that it is necessary to act differently. Evaluating the entire match, we saw the complete dominance of the Ukrainian team. But let's not forget the fact that in terms of composition, selection of players, the Ukrainian national team had an advantage.
- Is this a sensitive defeat for the Armenian team?
- Of course. In the actions of the Armenian football players, I did not see aggression, fire, or the proper attitude. I know that the players of the Armenian national team wanted to win today, but it did not work out. But the mentors of the Ukrainian national team were able to properly prepare their wards and draw conclusions after the failure in Glasgow. Congratulations to the Ukrainian team on the victory. And I, as a citizen of Armenia, grieve along with all the fans of our team. At home it is unpleasant to lose.
- Oleksandr Petrakov changed the entire starting lineup of the Ukrainian national team, compared to the game in Glasgow. You rarely see this...
- I believe that the coach of the Ukrainian team has a choice, it's good when there is healthy competition. I think it was very important to change the tactics, the scheme of the game. We saw that the teams of Armenia and Scotland differ a little. The Scots played powerfully and aggressively against Ukraine, but Armenia did not. Footballers of the Scottish national team prefer high-speed power football. This is an important factor.
— What was the atmosphere like in the stands of the Republican Stadium?
- Everyone is upset by the defeat. The fans left the stands of the stadium sad. Well, you need to draw conclusions.
- After the departure of Henrikh Mkhitaryan from the Armenian national team, there is no leader left in the team?
- I can't say that. There is no one yet who will take the initiative.
- Egishe, who, in your opinion, was the best player in today's match?
- I am very happy for Alexander Tymchik. The right-back scored a goal and provided an assist. I used to work with Sasha at Stal Kamensk in 2017. I am very pleased with his progress. I would also mention Artem Dovbik. Coming off the bench, he scored twice and provided one assist. But Dovbik is a striker and he is used to scoring. And if we still remember how much Dovbik costs ... And for Tymchik this is an undoubted success.
- On September 27 in Krakow, the teams of Ukraine and Scotland determined the strongest in group B1. Who is more likely to win our group?
— I am very worried about the Ukrainian national team. Of course, I wish the Ukrainian team victory over the Scottish team in the 6th round match in Krakow.
- And, finally, we congratulate Pyunik, which you lead, on the victory in the second round of the group N of the Conference League. In Yerevan, you beat Slovan (Bratislava) with a score of 2:0. Is your team ready to leave the group?
- We have a chance to leave the group. We will try and carefully prepare for each fight. It is important to be prepared physically and mentally. Opponents in our group are difficult. It will not be easy, but we have a chance, although we cannot do without luck.
