Imran Oulad-Omar: “What ‘Noah’ has achieved is already an accomplishment for all of Armenia”

Noah midfielder Imran Oulad-Omar took part in a press conference ahead of the second leg of the UEFA Conference League Round of 32 against Dutch side AZ.

The match will take place on February 26 in Alkmaar. Kick-off is scheduled for 23:00 Moscow time (00:00 Yerevan time). In the first match, held in Yerevan, Noah secured a narrow 1–0 victory.

Born in the Netherlands and having started his career there, Oulad-Omar shared his expectations for the upcoming game and spoke about his current condition.

— What is your physical condition now after returning from injury?

— I feel good. I have been training with the main group for two months now. The atmosphere in the team is excellent, and we are all ready for the match.

— Many Armenian fans from Armenia and other European countries are expected at the match. Your relatives and friends may also be in the stands. What does such support mean to you at this stage of the Conference League?

— Of course, it means a lot to me. I will basically be playing at home — in front of my family and close friends. I think many members of my family and friends will attend the match. It will give me extra strength.

— When you played for Achilles from 2016 to 2018, could you have imagined that one day you would play in the Conference League?

— The Conference League did not exist back then, but of course every footballer dreams of playing at this level. It is a wonderful feeling now.

— How many of your relatives are expected at the match?

— I think around 80 to 90 people.

— How important is this game for Armenia?

— It is a very big event for Armenia. What Noah has achieved is already an accomplishment for the whole country. Of course, we want to achieve more, but even now this is an important step. The whole country supports us, and that is very приятно.

— You have played in Russia, Georgia, Armenia, and Slovakia — it seems you have been everywhere. How do you assess your career?

— I am something of a traveler. In every country I gained invaluable experience that made me stronger as a footballer. Playing in the Conference League playoffs now is the result of a lot of hard work.

— What impact has Noah had on your career?

— At the moment, considering what we have achieved, this is the biggest club in my career and the most serious step forward.

— What was the first match against AZ like for you?

— It was a very important victory. But we understand that it was only the first match. The most important thing is to achieve a positive result in the second leg as well. That win was historic; we celebrated a little, but now all our thoughts are focused on the game in Alkmaar.

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