Petrakov Comments on Mkhitaryan's Decision Ahead of Armenia-Turkey Match

Ahead of the Armenia-Turkey match scheduled for March 25, the head coach of our national team, Alexander Petrakov, met with reporters.

In response to journalists' questions, he mentioned that the Football Federation of Armenia has tasked him with the goal of qualifying for the final stage of the European Championship.

"I have communicated with all the players in various places, via phone and the internet. However, I consider personal contact and seeing the players with my own eyes more important in this field. To form an opinion about a player, it is essential to see them at least during training. Currently, everyone in the national team is a great guy, well-motivated. I just wish, and I will do everything possible, for the Armenian national team players to stay away from politics and act purely on sporting motivations. Football should be a game for us, without politics," added Alexander Petrakov.

Regarding the return of national team player Henrikh Mkhitaryan, the head coach spoke quite briefly: "I tried to reach out to Mkhitaryan through several sources. I know that Henrikh is a unique player for the Armenian national team. I even attempted to have a private conversation by using Roman Berezovsky as a mediator. Mkhitaryan did not want to communicate, stating that he does not wish to change his decision and wished success to the Armenian national team. That is his decision, and it must be respected," said Petrakov.

Addressing issues related to the national team's roster, Petrakov noted that there are difficulties in defense. He praised the performances of Styopa Mkrtchyan and Armen Ghazaryan; however, these players are not fully prepared for the upcoming match due to illness. The head coach also mentioned that there are issues concerning the goalkeeper position.

The Armenian national team begins its campaign in the 2024 European Championship qualifiers on March 25 in Yerevan, against the Turkish national team. How well Alexander Petrakov will manage to familiarize himself with the team before that match will be revealed in the competition.