Ararat-Armenia head coach Manuel Tulipa praised Riga FC ahead of Tuesday’s UEFA Champions League first qualifying round clash, describing the Latvian champions as a well-balanced side that has made significant progress in recent years.
“Riga are a very interesting team. I have studied the opponent: over the past three years, they have made major progress in their development, and serious investment has been made in the team. They have made good transfers and have very intelligently combined local players with foreign players. I know several Brazilian players who play for Riga.”
The Portuguese coach also believes the two clubs share similarities in their style of play. “I can also say that Riga and Ararat-Armenia are similar in many ways in terms of playing style.”
Looking ahead to the first leg, the Ararat-Armenia manager told that representing Armenia in Europe carries added responsibility. “Our goal is always to achieve the best possible result. It is also important for me that the team always shows its best football.”
“I feel a great responsibility because the team will represent not only our club, but the entire country. We want to take into account the mistakes of previous years, go as far as possible in European competitions, and earn as many ranking points as possible.”
Tulipa admitted that Riga’s match fitness could be an advantage, with the Latvian side already well into its domestic campaign. “The most important thing for us is to show our football and impose our conditions. Riga are currently in the middle of their season, so all their players are in good physical shape. That is not ideal for us, but we have studied their game and know how to deal with it.”
He also highlighted where he believes Riga pose their biggest threat. “Riga are good in possession. If they gain an advantage in midfield, their forwards use it well and become dangerous. They have quality and technically strong players, so our main task is to deprive them of the ball. By doing that, we will be able to control the game.”
Ararat-Armenia forward Zhirayr Shaghoyan, who has made 24 appearances for the Armenian National team also acknowledged Riga’s quality after studying the Latvian champions ahead of the first leg.
“Of course, we have studied the opponent. They play very well with the ball. But, like all teams, they have strengths and weaknesses. We must use those weaknesses and win.”
