Ararat-Armenia head coach Vardan Minasyan ahead of Dudelange game: “We are ready”

A place in the Europa League group stages will be at stake when Ararat-Armenia and F91 Dudelange face each other in Europa League Qualifying match in Yerevan, Armenia. Ararat-Armenia failed to impress in the Champions League qualifiers, but they did well to overcome the deficit in the tie against Saburtalo and book their place in the play-offs. Dudelange, meanwhile, aim to represent Luxembourg in the Europa League group stages for the second consecutive season and they will be looking to build on a hard-fought 1-0 win over Nomme Kalju when they face Ararat-Armenia on Thursday evening. Ahead of the game, Ararat Armenia head coach Vardan Minasyan has faced the press. “We are ready for the game. We need to play quietly and remove unnecessary tension. We should not think about what would happen next. We need to be focused on the game. Tomorrow we must do our utmost,” said Minasyan. “If Dudelange has reached this stage, there is no point in underestimating them. Тheir playing style is similar to Saburtalo's style. Last year they played in the Europa League group stage. They are more experienced. They have players from Germany, Belgium and if there is a problem with underestimating, they should underestimate us. This is the first experience for us, and we are prepared to take it seriously. The Luxembourg national team has also started to play well. Their football is growing. We have equal conditions in terms of functional readiness.” The first leg of the qualifying round will take place on Thursday, August 22 at Republican Stadium.

Henrikh Mkhitaryan and Sargis Adamyan have been called up to the Armenia squad for EURO 2020 qualifiers