Historic Victory for “Noah”: Sandro Perković on the Triumph Over AZ in the Conference League

A victory that has already gone down in the history of Armenian football. “Noah” defeated the Dutch side “AZ” 1–0 in the first leg of the UEFA Conference League Round of 32, securing the first-ever win for an Armenian club in European competitions at such an advanced stage. This evening at the Republican Stadium was special — not only because of the result, but also due to the team’s character, discipline, and dedication.

After the final whistle, Noah’s head coach Sandro Perković summed up the match at the press conference, spoke about key lineup decisions, the condition of his players, and shared his expectations for the return leg in the Netherlands.

Sandro Perković’s Post-Match Press Conference

Opening remarks

“Congratulations and thanks to all my players and our supporters. Yesterday I did not promise a victory, but I promised that everyone would be proud of the team. I believe that after this game, all Armenians can be proud of our team.”

Journalists’ Questions

— It seemed that the beginning of the match was difficult, but then Noah managed to turn the game around and created more scoring chances. How did you manage to change the situation?

— Not only the beginning was difficult — all 90 minutes were tough. We prepared well for the match and knew all the strengths and weaknesses of our opponent. We understood where we could gain an advantage and how to use it. In the first half we had two or three good chances but failed to convert them. In the second half, Hovhannes Hambardzumyan scored a magnificent goal. I am happy for him — he deserved to become the first Armenian to score for an Armenian club in a European playoff match here at the Republican Stadium. He earned it through his career and everything he has done for Armenian football. We knew that at certain moments of the match it would be difficult for us, but the players handled it with honor.

— Zolotić, Ploshchadny and Hambardzumyan were players we did not expect to see in the starting lineup and rarely saw during the group stage. Why did you choose this lineup and an unusual formation?

— In this match, the team won — not individual players — so I want to highlight everyone. Speaking specifically about Zolotić, he had an excellent preparation period; I saw this in training sessions, and based on that I selected the lineup. Overall, we had a very good winter preparation, and it was difficult for me to decide on the starting eleven. I always choose players based on how they work in training before the match. Zolotić played excellently.

— What is the condition of Sangaré and Seintini? Are their injuries serious?

— We will know tomorrow; it is too early to judge.

— How would you assess the team’s condition after the winter break?

— In the last 10 minutes I felt that we had not played official matches for two months. But overall, the team’s physical condition is good, and I am satisfied. In that regard, this was one of our best matches.

— What needs to be done to advance over the two legs?

— It will be very difficult. We will start the return match from 0–0 and must take our chances. I am sure we will have opportunities. But it is too early to talk about that.

— What was the reason for Fayulu’s absence, and will he play in the return leg?

— Fayulu had health issues. Ploshchadny had an excellent preparation period and played well; I am satisfied with his progress. We have three strong goalkeepers, and the second team’s keepers are also pushing toward the first squad.

— Imran Oulad Omar returned after three months out. How would you assess his condition?

— Imran is in good condition. I planned to give him more playing time, but the match developed in such a way that he only came on at the end. I am happy he is back — it is a serious reinforcement for our team.

— What is the condition of the players who did not feature today? Is it possible they will appear in the return leg?

— During the winter break we played six matches; all players received roughly equal playing time and are in similar physical condition. Of course, we will see them on the field soon.

— In the second half, you substituted the goal scorer. Were you not afraid that this was a risky decision?

— I did not think about that. It was planned — we needed freshness. Hambardzumyan played well both in defense and attack and gave everything to the game. But the team needed additional energy.