What Is Happening at the Federation of Armenian Football Is a Disgrace and Directly Affects the National Team's Performances: Gasparyan

Sports commentator-journalist Robert Gasparyan has addressed the Armenia-Italy match that took place yesterday on his Facebook page.

"I have always defended the national team players and coaches from various criticisms, perhaps doing what they should have done in my place—finding or trying to find justifications. However, this time the situation is different. In recent days, I have repeatedly written and said in my live streams that what is happening at the Football Federation of Armenia (FFA) is a disgrace and directly affects the national team's performances, because the connection between the national team and the FFA has been incredibly close. This means that any internal turmoil has influenced the team’s results.

But, 1. It is absolutely not worth fully blaming Abraham Khashmanyan for this defeat or defeats. Blame him for the wrong tactics or being overly defensive—sure, I am with you on that. But his fault in these defeats is much less than that of the participants in the FFA's infighting and proportionally as much as that of the players.

2. I advise those who are seeking self-establishment at the expense of Abraham Khashmanyan's defeats and pushing Vahan Bichakhchyan into that position to calmly take their places, as what is happening today has absolutely nothing to do with coaching work. Even in our weakest moments, we didn't lose by an 8-goal difference. Yes, there have been losses, but the national team has not lost like this. Neither was Italy that terrifyingly strong, nor were our players that terrifyingly weak. There could be some other issue, which for now is not fully clear to me. If Bichakhchyan were the coach today, it would have been the same situation.

3. I know that my posts are read by almost all national team players and candidates, so perhaps my call will reach them (and I do this on behalf of many). Dear footballers, my good friends, we can somewhat understand your refusal to give interviews during the Yerevan matches, but when we travel thousands of kilometers and cross states, at least respect that and come talk to us. We are not going to shred you, and we never have. Your words are conveyed to the public, which does not fully grasp all the nuances. In the end, you are giving explanations to them for your win, draw, or loss, my friends. Have you lost? No problem, come talk, but do not ignore us, our work, please. Stay strong," wrote the commentator.