Nicolato defends late tactical gamble against Montenegro and plans few changes for Armenia

Latvia head coach Paolo Nicolato has defended his decision to continue attacking with two strikers in the closing stages of the 1-2 defeat to Montenegro, insisting he does not regret taking risks in pursuit of victory. Speaking to Sportacentrs.com journalist Edmunds Novickis and Baltic Football News ahead of Sunday’s UEFA Nations League finale against Armenia, the Italian also revealed fresh injury concerns and suggested that only minor changes are expected to his starting lineup.

Latvia enter their final Nations League match following a painful defeat in Podgorica, where they conceded a stoppage-time winner despite enjoying a numerical advantage for more than half an hour. However, Nicolato remains convinced that the team’s recent performances demonstrate significant progress, even if the results have not reflected it.

Reflecting on the closing stages against Montenegro, the Italian revealed that his analysis showed the hosts had created chances worth approximately two expected goals (xG) in the final eight minutes.

Nicolato attributed the defensive problems to his players’ determination to secure all three points rather than settle for a draw.

“We really wanted to win. Even after Montenegro equalised, we still felt we could win the match,” Nicolato explained. “We lost some of our structure and balance, allowing counter-attacks and set pieces. I believe that happened because the players wanted to win and were prepared to take maximum risks.”

The Latvia head coach acknowledged that his side lacked experience in managing such situations but insisted that the performance over the opening 85 minutes had been encouraging.

According to Nicolato, Montenegro represented a strong opponent in terms of individual quality, tactical ideas and organisation, making Latvia’s performance particularly pleasing despite the eventual defeat.

The Italian also defended his decision to retain two strikers after switching to a 4-4-2 formation during the second half.

“At that moment, I believed we were making the right decision. We had equalised and had an extra player, so I felt we needed to take risks to win,” he said. “Bringing on another defender would not have sent the right message to the players. I don’t regret that decision.”

Nicolato admitted that Latvia had lost some tactical balance but emphasized that emotions, rather than the formation alone, had contributed to the problems.

Injury concerns ahead of Armenia

Latvia could be without Deniss Meļņiks for Sunday’s match after the defender developed health problems during the past two days.

“Meļņiks is undergoing examinations, and honestly, the chances of him being available are not very high,” Nicolato revealed.

Markuss Strods is also not fully fit, although the coaching staff remain hopeful that he will recover in time. Meanwhile, Maksims Toņiševs has returned to the squad after missing the Montenegro match, with the remaining players generally available.

Despite Latvia having little left to play for in terms of their final group position, Nicolato does not intend to make wholesale changes.

“I think we will need some changes tomorrow, but not too many. The team is performing well, and that applies not only to the last match but also to our previous performances in this international window,” he explained.

The coach suggested that two or three changes to the starting eleven are possible, particularly because of the physical demands of maintaining a high intensity throughout matches.

However, he made it clear that he does not want to significantly alter either the team’s formation or its personnel.

Nicolato praises Cirkins – Cigaņiks partnership

Looking back at Latvia’s opening Nations League defeat against Armenia, Nicolato was asked whether he would now select a different starting lineup, particularly given the subsequent performances of Oskars Vientiess, Denniss Cirkins and Andrejs Cigaņiks.

The Italian explained that his original approach had been based on the need for defensive compactness and experience, but the performances of younger players had encouraged him to adopt a more attacking approach.

Nicolato reiterated that he considers Cirkins most comfortable as a full-back, while also highlighting his versatility further forward.

He was particularly complimentary about the developing partnership between Cirkins and Cigaņiks on Latvia’s left flank.

“I think the connection between Cirkins and Cigaņiks on the left works very well. I’m happy with that partnership and, if possible, I don’t want to change it,” he said.

The coach also addressed his decision to substitute captain Antonijs Černomordijs when Latvia switched to a four-man defence against Montenegro.

Nicolato explained that playing with two central defenders requires different physical attributes, particularly pace, and suggested that Černomordijs is better suited to a back three at this level.

He nevertheless praised the captain’s individual performance and insisted the substitution had been a tactical decision rather than a reflection of poor play.

Ikaunieks below his best, Dašķevičs remains key player

Nicolato also discussed the performances of two of Latvia’s established attacking players, Jānis Ikaunieks and Eduards Dašķevičs.

Ikaunieks returned to the national team this month after missing the September international window, but struggled to make the desired impact against Montenegro.

“Perhaps Jānis is not in his best form at the moment. He didn’t show his usual level because we know he is a good player,” Nicolato admitted, while also mentioning that he did not want to blame any individual.

Regarding Dašķevičs, the Italian rejected any suggestion that the winger’s substitution reflected a lack of confidence in his abilities. “I completely agree that he is one of our best players. I have absolutely no doubts about that,” Nicolato said.

The coach explained that Dašķevičs’ energetic playing style can sometimes make it difficult for him to maintain the same intensity throughout an entire match.

“He always gives 100%. Sometimes he struggles to manage his energy during the game. He tries to do everything very quickly and almost gives himself no time to recover.”

Nicolato added that having alternatives on the bench now allows him to replace players when their physical output begins to decline.

Defensive set pieces remain a concern

Latvia have conceded goals from corners against both Armenia and Montenegro, but Nicolato believes the problems have been more related to individual duels than defensive organisation.

He argued that his players had generally occupied the correct positions but had been beaten by physically stronger opponents. The Italian pointed to the quality of Montenegro’s attacking players, noting that several regularly compete and score in Italy’s Serie A.

“In these physically demanding games, sometimes we are not completely ready. We lack strength, power and sharpness, and occasionally we lose individual duels at this level,” he explained.

Nevertheless, Nicolato maintained that Latvia’s overall defensive organisation against Montenegro had been good.

Positive atmosphere despite disappointing results

Despite another late defeat, Nicolato insisted that the atmosphere within the Latvia squad remains surprisingly positive.

The coach revealed that he had been encouraged by the mood during the team’s most recent meeting, with players recognising improvements in their performances.

“The players are fully aware of our progress and the quality of our performances. They feel that we are playing good football and enjoy our style of play,” he said.

Nicolato emphasised that the team’s long-term development remains more important to him than individual results.

He also insisted that the Nations League campaign has not changed his assessment of Latvia’s potential, arguing that the team is competing at a demanding level and performing well relative to its resources.

“My assessment cannot be changed simply by match results. What matters most to me is that the players are progressing and their performances are improving.”

Latvia will conclude their UEFA Nations League campaign against Armenia at Skonto Stadium on Sunday, with Nicolato looking to turn his side’s recent improvements into a positive result.