Armenian national football team going through transition, defender says

Montenegro and Armenia will face off in a friendly match at the City Stadium in Nikšić late on Monday evening.

At a pre-match press conference, Armenian national team defender Styopa Mkrtchyan acknowledged the challenges the team is facing.

“Every player who steps onto the pitch gives 100 percent and does everything possible to perform well,” he said. “It’s a tough situation for all of us and we need to turn things around. I’m confident that we’ll begin to fix things starting from the next match.”

Mkrtchyan highlighted the generational shift within the squad.

“Two years ago, we had many experienced players in the team. Right now, we’re going through a period of transition,” he noted. “In the last match, there were a lot of young players who don’t have much experience. It’s a very difficult phase for us, but every player must give their absolute best for the national team.”

Head coach John van’t Schip emphasized that the team morale remains intact despite a recent friendly loss to Kosovo.

“The atmosphere within the squad is good,” van’t Schip said. “Naturally, the players were disappointed by the defeat, as was I, especially after conceding late goals. But everyone understands that we need to change course and show a stronger performance in the upcoming match.”