“I’m impressed by the team myself” — Perković on the victory that leads “Noah” into history

Football Club Noah claimed a crucial victory in the 5th round of the Conference League, defeating Poland’s Legia 2–1 at the stadium in Yerevan. This success has virtually guaranteed the Armenian club a place in the playoffs — an achievement that may become historic for all of Armenian football.

After the final whistle, Noa’s head coach Sandro Perković held an extensive press conference, where he analyzed the match, the team’s condition, and the prospects of reaching the next round.

“We beat a big European team”

Opening the press conference, Perković expressed gratitude to everyone involved in organizing the match, and he highlighted the fans’ support:

“I want to thank everyone who was involved in preparing this match. I also thank the fans who came to the stadium in such cold weather. Huge thanks to my players.

We showed football of a very high level. We beat a big European team — last season Legia reached the quarterfinals of the Conference League.

The beginning of the match wasn’t successful for us, but already in the first half we had good moments. After that, we fully took control of the game and believed in our plan. Yesterday I said that we step onto the pitch not to impress anyone, but to show character. But today I’m impressed by the team myself, and I’m very grateful to the players. This is a big victory for us.

Eight points in the Conference League — that’s amazing. I hope it’s enough to reach the playoffs. For Armenian football, this would be a first in history.”

On tactics and lineup decisions

Journalists asked whether it was risky to leave Sangaré and Eteki on the bench. Perković explained:

“In my opinion, we played even better today than in Ljubljana. Sangaré and Eteki are wonderful and important players, but for this match I had a different plan. Mateusz Ajaš and Thorarinsson handled their tasks perfectly. Sangaré and Eteki came off the bench and made an important contribution to the win. I’m very pleased with their performance.”

“We’ll play to win against Dynamo Kyiv”

Although eight points may be enough to advance from the group, Perković assured that Noa won’t play cautiously in the final round:

“Mathematically, eight points may indeed be enough. But we will fight for a win against Dynamo Kyiv. This is a big team, and although they don’t play European matches at home, they are showing good football.”

What changed after the break

The coach shared what he told his players in the dressing room:

“I told the players that we were showing good football against a strong opponent. Of course, we wanted to go into halftime at 1–1, because we deserved it, but that’s football. The important thing is that we didn’t lose the thread of the game and showed character in the second half.”

On taken and missed chances

Noa created a huge number of dangerous chances — 27 shots, more than in any other match of the day.

“We had many opportunities. Ajaš and Jakoliš had great chances in the first half, dangerous shots after crosses — we were just unlucky. But I’m glad that after the break we scored with a lower xG than in the first half.”

The team showed character again

“I’m not pleased that we conceded first again. But I’m glad that the team knows how to come back into the game and show character and spirit. This is a quality we must keep, though of course we’ll work on reducing mistakes.”

On pressure and criticism after a poor run

“I’ve been in football for a long time and I know what criticism and pressure are. I’m focused on working with the players, I see the fire in their eyes, and I feel the support of the club and everyone working with me. So I don’t feel pressure — we continue to work hard.”

Gonçalo Gregório’s condition

“He is recovering from a serious injury. The process is going well. We expect him back on the field as soon as possible.”

Players leaving for national teams before the match against Dynamo Kyiv

“Unfortunately, Sangaré and Fayulu will not play against Dynamo Kyiv. Tomorrow they will depart to join their national teams for the Africa Cup of Nations. I would like them to stay with us, but I’m also very glad that our team has players who represent their countries. I hope they perform well at AFCON 2025, and that in the future we will have even more national-team players.”