VIDEO: "I’ve already informed the team that it will be a very tough match," Petriakow

The head coach of the Armenian national football team, Ukrainian Alexander Petriakow, spoke about the upcoming game against Latvia during a pre-match press conference held at the Vazgen Sargsyan Republican Stadium in Yerevan. The teams will meet in the fourth round of the Euro 2024 qualification tournament.

"You will see a smile on my face when the war in my country ends. I was able to motivate the boys in the previous match. I have often heard that the Armenian national team can only perform one high-quality game, and in the second, they tend to fall short. I think we will make some rotations and see how tomorrow’s game goes.

Kamo Hovhannisyan has left the team camp due to an injury. Andre Kalistratov will join training shortly, and Haroyan is also training. He asked to participate, which is very good. Everyone will train, and we will see who is ready to be included in the squad for the match against Latvia.

Latvia is a very good, disciplined, and balanced team, which also depends on the coach’s work. It’s going to be a very tough game. I’ve already informed my team that it will be a very difficult match. A hard fight is expected.

There are many similarities between the Latvia and Wales national teams; the players are very strong and tall. Latvia doesn’t have stars in their team like Wales, but all the players are good. When I was asked in Wales if I was afraid of the 33,000 spectators, I said no. Why should I be afraid? For a player, a packed stadium means everything. There’s nothing better; it's a great responsibility. I believe we will also feel the support of the fans in tomorrow’s game. I remember the match against Turkey when the stadium was full. It’s very enjoyable when people come and support us. We expect significant support from the fans tomorrow, and after the game, we will understand whether we met expectations or not.

I like the team’s attitude; they all listen to me and are attentive, feeling a great responsibility. I feel a significant difference after our first trainings. Previously, they were more scattered, perhaps many didn’t even look my way during training. This team impresses me.

I don’t think we are clear favorites in tomorrow's match. Let’s wait for tomorrow's game; we will make specific rotations in the lineup and aim to display a good performance.

I am not involved in the players' transfers. Lucas didn’t join the team in Armenia. We discussed with the president of the federation that it didn’t make sense for him to fly so much and that he could join us in Wales. Norbert wanted to join the team because he had issues with his club coach. Lucas Selarayane faced difficulties in defense, but we talked, and I told him this is European football, and one must also play in defense," Petriakow said.

The match between Armenia and Latvia will take place on June 19 at 20:00 Yerevan time at the Vazgen Sargsyan Republican Stadium. In the third round of the Euro 2024 qualification tournament, the Armenian national team won 4:2 against the Wales national team in Cardiff.