POWERFUL PYUNIK TO TEST DERRY’S RESOLVE

Irish Independent
Published: Jul 18, 2007

THEY made a DVD about Derry City’s memorable exploits in Europe
last year.

If they’re to make another this time around then it will probably be
as much interest to travel buffs as sports fans.

Next week’s trip to Yerevan for the second leg of their Champions
League qualifier with FC Pyunik promises to be a long and eventful
one for players, managers and supporters alike. It will be made
considerably easier for all involved if a good result can be taken
to Armenia from this evening’s first-leg clash at the Brandywell.

Adventure

Much has changed in Derry since the UEFA Cup adventure of 2006, where
Gothenburg and Gretna were eliminated before Paris St Germain proved
a bridge too far.

That run – allied with improved Irish performances in Europe in recent
years – ensured seeding, but it didn’t provide an easy draw as they
now prepare to face a well-regarded underdog in what is only John
Robertson’s second match in charge since taking over from Pat Fenlon.

FC Pyunik are well on course for a seventh consecutive Armenian title,
although, in common with Derry, they have already changed coach during
this campaign with Samyel Petrosyan replaced by reserve coach Armen
Gjulbidagyants.

The reason for Petrosyan’s departure was defeat in the semi-finals
of the Armenian Cup. It illustrates the high standards which exist at
Pyunik, although managerial instability is not uncommon in the former
Russian republic with five of the eight clubs in the top division
dispensing with their coaches since this summer season began.

Pyunik have strengthened in preparation of this tie, bringing three
former players back to the club from stints in neighbouring Iran.

The football community in Armenia is currently in high spirits after
their recent surprise win over Poland in a Euro 2008 qualifier and
the scorer of that goal, Hamlet Mkhitaryan, has also joined Pyunik,
although he is an injury doubt. Given their dominance at home, Pyunik
are regular participants in Champions League qualifiers, although they
have endured disappointment in 2005 and 2006 by narrowly exiting at
this round to opposition from Finland and Moldova respectively.

In 2002, 2003 and 2004, however, they were successful against seeded
opposition with the latter of those years having relevance to this
tie as they were eventually knocked out by Shahktar Donetsk on that
occasion and the Ukrainians await the winners of this battle.

"Pyunik are a good European side, we’re aware of their strengths. They
have a strong connection with the international team as their back
four is also the international team’s back four," said Derry boss
Robertson yesterday.

"I’ll be looking for something similar to what I got against Sligo
(when Derry won 4-1), once we don’t concede a goal. If we play to
our strengths, we can hurt teams and we need to do that here."

Robertson has extensive European experience, particularly as a player
but also briefly as a manager with Hearts.

He has a strong squad at his disposal, although Killian Brennan
(groin) is a doubt, while it is hoped that playmaker Paddy McCourt
is fully fit.

Derry City v FC Pyunik,

RTE2, kick-off 7.45