MINASYAN GIVEN CREDIT FOR PYUNIK SUCCESS
by Khachik Chakhoyan
UEFA.com
Dec 2 2008
Switzerland
FC Pyunik president Karen Arutyunyan said coach Vardan Minasyan was
"not only a great teacher, but a great psychologist as well" after
he led the club to an eighth successive title with a play-off victory
against FC Ararat Yerevan.
Title decider Hired to replace Armen Gyulbudagyants after a shaky
start to the campaign, Minasyan’s side were beaten 3-0 on aggregate
by Anorthosis Famagusta FC in UEFA Champions League qualifying before
dragging themselves back into the title race. Pyunik drew level on
points with Ararat after the final scheduled game of the season,
and then beat them 2-1 in added time in a specially-arranged title
decider. "Ararat were not only league leaders, but they also played
the best football in the country and won the Armenian Cup," said
Minasyan, 34. Ararat looked to be in a class of their own at times,
although FC Gandzasar Kapan, FC MIKA and FC Banants all harboured
title hopes at various times.
Motivational skills "In the middle of the season everybody dropped
points," added Minsayan, who returned to club football following a
spell with the national team. "We were able to reduce the deficit,
although I was still pretty sure Ararat would win the title." The
fact that Pyunik denied them stands as testament to Minsyan’s skills
as a coach and a motivator. After the final whistle in the golden
game on 19 November, club president Arutyunyan said of the former
Pyunik midfielder: "I was right about this group of players and
about Minasyan as a head coach. He was not only a great teacher,
but a great psychologist as well. He is a true professional who has
reached the heights in his own very special way."
International experience Pyunik’s success was founded upon an
indomitable spirit and a successful youth policy. Aside from Sargis
Hovsepyan and Karen Dokhoyan, all of their players were aged between 18
and 20. "Many of our players were in the national youth and U21 teams,"
said Minasyan. "We even had four players selected for the senior
team. This experience helped them to grow." Right-back Hovsepyan,
meanwhile, underlined the culture of endeavour that prevailed among
his team-mates. "Every club has it’s own footballing philosophy,"
the 36-year-old said. "We value the relationships between people. We
always stayed united and believed in ourselves. Our fighting spirit
helped us to win games where our opponents outplayed us."