Pyunik's head coach Yegishe Melikyan answered journalists' questions ahead of the first round of the 2024/25 Champions League qualification match against Dynamo (Minsk).
The Dynamo (Minsk) — Pyunik (Yerevan) match will take place in the Hungarian city of Mezőkövesd on Wednesday, July 10. The match starts at 22:45 Yerevan time.
Press conference with Pyunik's head coach Yegishe Melikyan:
— How will the fact that Dynamo (Minsk) has to play their home match away affect this confrontation?
— It's convenient for us; we are playing away anyway, so it doesn't matter where. It will be comfortable for us that our opponent won't have their supporters, while our fans are waiting for us at home. I know that Belarus is a footballing country; I have played against their teams and know this. I am sure they would have provided excellent support for their team, but we are lucky that they cannot play at home.
— How well did you manage to study the opponent's team?
— Of course, we studied them, but I won't reveal everything. Dynamo (Minsk) plays interesting football and uses different formations. But we have considered everything and prepared our game plan based on the opponent's playing style.
— You signed many newcomers for the European competitions. How prepared are they for the matches, and have they managed to integrate into the team?
— We had serious losses after the championship. How well we managed to replace key players will be shown by the game. This will be our first official game with the new players, so there will be difficulties. This is normal. Also, the problem is that now the Belarusian championship is in full swing, and Dynamo is in playing form, while we are not.
— Former Pyunik player Steven Alfred plays for Dynamo (Minsk). How well do you know him, and can he cause you problems?
— Yes, we know him well and all the other players of Dynamo, but individually no one will cause us problems. We are more concerned about Dynamo as a team. They are a serious opponent for us, and there is a risk that we will not win, but we will try very hard because an away victory is also very important for us.
— What outcome of the away match will be acceptable for you, considering that the return match will be at home?
— We are studying, listening. We just heard the opponent's head coach's interview, where he said that he wants to press and play aggressive football. Please, we are waiting; we are ready for this. We are fully prepared for the match, but I am sure that Dynamo (Minsk) will create problems for us, and we will create problems for them, so there will be an interesting battle on the field. It will be a war for the result, which makes football interesting.