VIDEO. I Am Excited to Work in Armenia: Joaquín Caparrós' Interview

In his first exclusive interview with the official website of the Football Federation of Armenia, Joaquín Caparrós, the newly appointed head coach of Armenia's national team, discusses how he decided to lead the national squad, the characteristics of the team, his opinion on Henrikh Mkhitaryan, and his expectations from the Nations League.

What are your first impressions of Armenia?

I have very positive feelings and I am happy to be in Armenia; I was welcomed very well here. I am excited about working in Armenia and I want to contribute to the further development of Armenian football.

How did you decide to lead the Armenian national team?

A very important factor in deciding to lead the Armenian national team was the presence of Ginés Meléndez and Antonio Flores, who have been my mentors during my coaching training in Spain. However, I was primarily interested in the plans of the new leadership of the federation. When I first met and talked with the president, I understood this is a serious project. I know how much desire the players of the Armenian team have to join the national team and how proud they are to wear the national jersey.

You are the coach who has managed the most games at Sevilla. What does this mean to you?

I have been a supporter of Sevilla since childhood. It is a great honor for me to be the coach who has managed the most games for Sevilla. Sevilla is one of the best clubs not only in Spain but also in Europe and around the world, as evidenced by the many titles the team has won in European club competitions over the past 15 years and is considered the king of the Europa League.

What are the main differences between coaching a national team and a club?

Although I have only worked in clubs until now, I have a good understanding of the peculiarities of being a national team head coach. In a club, you are with the team all year round, and the work is easier. In the national team, time is limited, and it's crucial to allocate and manage the available resources correctly during that time. It would be ideal for any coach to have very strong players and adapt them to their ideas and tactical concepts; however, often the coach chooses his tactics based on the abilities of the players he has at hand. It is also very important to create a good atmosphere and have the right approach to motivate the players. Everyone must understand that being a national team player means they are chosen and carry great responsibility.

Have you watched the Armenian national team's matches? What is the overall level of the team?

There are players from Serie A in Italy, the Bundesliga in Germany, and the Premier League in Russia in the Armenian national team. Their qualities differ from others, but the main challenge for the coach is to create a united team from players with different levels of play and effectively communicate his ideas.

What is your opinion on Henrikh Mkhitaryan?

Henrikh Mkhitaryan is an extremely high-caliber player, a true professional. I very much wanted to watch him play against Sevilla, but as you know, that match did not take place. I know that Henrikh is a dedicated person to his nation and homeland, and he is eager to join the national team. His presence is very important for the teammates because when Mkhitaryan is on the field, other players feel more confident while also being more aware in different game situations.

What are your thoughts on our group's performance in the Nations League?

We have found ourselves in a very competitive group where it is possible to take first place, but it is very important to move forward step by step, game by game. For me, the most important match is always the next match that my team is facing.

Quick questions:

- Sevilla 2000-2005, vs Bilbao 2007-2011
- Both, both clubs are in my heart.

- Andalusia vs Baskonia
- Both for fun (laughs).

- Sergio Ramos vs Daniel Alves
- A very difficult question. Both are my children.

- Who was more talented at a young age: Reyes or Muniaín?
- That’s a really tough question (laughs).

- Del Bosque vs Aragonés
- Aragonés is a true maestro, while Del Bosque is the champion of champions.

- Paella or gazpacho?
- First, paella, then gazpacho.

- Sangria or white wine?
- White wine… white wine with ice.

- Almodóvar or Buñuel?
- Very different, but probably Almodóvar.

- And finally, 1:0 vs 4:3?
- Just victory, a win.