Our national team is in Yerevan ahead of the crucial match against Armenia (Nov. 12, 7:00 p.m.) for Matchday 5 of Group 2 in League C of the Nations League.
- Fetch is the sponsor of Alpha Cyprus’s trip to Armenia
Our national team coach, Akis Mantzios, spoke at the press conference alongside our international player, Leonidas Konomis.
ΣΧΕΤΙΚΑ ΑΡΘΡΑ
Both conveyed a message of victory and described the match as… a final for second place as well as first place in the group.
The statements:
Akis Mantzios
Initial comment on the match: “It’s a crucial game for both teams. It will decide the race for second place for us and for first place. It will be a tough match; our opponent is strong at home with their fans behind them. We’re prepared; this match feels like a final to us, and we’re determined to win it.”
On the fact that the match has been described as a final: “This is a step forward for us. There’s no pressure; we’re all happy to have reached this level. It’s an opportunity to give it our all and grow as a team.”
On the national team’s roster and lineup: “I want to focus on our progress. The numbers speak for themselves, and that makes us happy. When the draw took place, I said we have to be contenders. I don’t know if we’ll succeed, but we are contenders, and so far we’ve managed to do so. We don’t feel pressure; we’re hungry to achieve the goal before us. It’s important that the players have the desire to join the national team. I’m not stressed about call-ups; I have a core group, and my door is always open to all players. I make decisions based solely on what I believe is best for the national team.”
On whether low temperatures have an impact: “Perhaps some extreme temperatures can have an impact. The important thing is to be ready and to adapt.”
On the lineup: “We won’t be making many changes. We have two players out—Kakoulis and Pileas—and we’ll see.”
His impressions of the Armenian team: “They’re a good team with excellent players. They have quality and speed on offense, and overall, I like them quite a bit.”
The last match was 40 days ago; will there be changes, either in Cyprus or in Armenia? “Since we’re at the national team level, I don’t think there’s much room for changes, and the same goes for our opponent. There won’t be many changes.”
Regarding the standings and scenarios for first place: “We must always aim for the best. We’ll see how tomorrow’s match goes. Our goal is to fight for the maximum. We’re taking it one game at a time. Depending on the outcome of the match, it will become clear whether we’ll be in contention for first place.”
Leonidas Konomis
Comment on the match: “We’re proud to represent our country and to be here. We have a final ahead of us, and we’ll follow our coach’s instructions to get a positive result. There’s no extra pressure on us. Above all, for me and my teammates, it’s our love for our country, and we’ll always give it our all.”
On his first appearances with the national team and his goal: “I scored against Armenia, and I’m proud of that, but I’d rather not score if it means the national team wins.”
On playing right back for the national team, which isn’t his natural position: “No matter where I play, I believe I’ll rise to the occasion.”
