Press Conference of “Urartu” Head Coach Dmitry Gunko Before the Return Match Against Estonian “Kalev”. Let us recall that in the first match “Urartu” won 2-1 away. The return match will take place on July 18 in Yerevan at 19:00 local time.
At the press conference before the return match of the Conference League against Estonian “Kalev,” “Urartu” head coach Dmitry Gunko discussed the adaptation of newcomers, the pressure on the team, visa issues for Russian players, and the importance of the upcoming game. Gunko noted the team’s progress since last season and expressed confidence in his trainees and the new lineup. The coach emphasized the importance of winning tomorrow’s match, which will take place on July 18 in Yerevan.
Press Conference with Dmitry Gunko
— What can you say about the newcomers to the team, how is the adaptation process going?
— The adaptation process is ongoing, we are doing everything for this, but of course, time is short.
— Last year, there was a lot of pressure on the team because of poor performance in the European competitions. Is there similar pressure this year?
— There is always pressure when the team sets goals. Our task is to cope and achieve results without departing from our principles.
— Before making transfers, did you consider the fact that Russian players cannot help you in away matches of the European competitions?
— We understood that there was a possibility that Russian players would not get a visa. We were training a lineup without Russian players.
— We already know from experience that Russians in 99% of cases will not get a visa. If “Urartu” managed to cope with the Estonian club without Russians, how do you plan to do the same with the Czech team “Banik” in the next qualification round if you go further?
— Attitude, motivation, and simply football. But let’s better focus on tomorrow’s match with “Kalev,” this match is not yet won.
— After the first match, the club president was happy that the club’s trainees played. What do you think about this?
— For me, this is very important, as well as for all Armenian football. This is an opportunity to give Armenian footballers a road. Our footballers experienced such emotions, so the importance of experience is very high. I am proud of our academy and our trainees.
— How important is it for the team psychologically to win tomorrow’s match, as “Urartu” last reached the next stage of European competitions 20 years ago?
— Any victory is important. We hope that with each victory the players will gain more confidence. We want this.
— How do you assess the condition of the team’s newcomers Anton Kilin and Ivan Ignatiev?
— Anton will not play tomorrow, he is injured, and Ignatiev is preparing and tomorrow, I hope, we will see his best qualities.
— How did the Russian players react to the visa situation?
— Normally, they are not stupid, they read the news and know what is happening in the world. We were all ready, but there was hope.
— How much stronger has the team become after the past championship?
— We have gone through all the negative experiences, made the right conclusions. Such experience can make the team stronger. Obviously, we failed last season, we analyzed all the mistakes and are moving forward. For “Urartu” the 4th place is considered a catastrophe. We are moving forward and hope to see full stands tomorrow. The team will do everything possible.
— Usually, they say that the winning lineup is not changed, how do you feel about this in tomorrow’s match, especially considering that many players did not fly to Estonia?
— The final decision on the lineup will be made on the day of the match, as anything can happen. But there is a lineup in mind, but I cannot say.
— How do you assess the selection during the summer transfer window and will there be any more transfers?
— At the moment we have closed all the problematic positions. Last season I thought that the selection was good, but after winter we made conclusions, made more transfers. So only the season will show how good everything is, at the moment I like everything.
— In the last match, two goalkeepers could not go to Estonia (due to visa), how did you choose between Umreyan and Kazaryan?
— A week before the match, we held a control game with “Ararat-Armenia,” in this game both Mkhitar Umreyan and Hayk Kazaryan played. After the game, we decided that Kazaryan should play if the Russians do not get a visa.