Manucharyan’s burning ambition
Saturday, 23 July 2005
By Andrew Haslam in Belfast
Edgar Manucharyan believes Armenia’s first-ever point
in a finals tournament, won in the UEFA European
Under-19 Championship against England on Wednesday,
gives his country something to build on, both in this
tournament and for the future.
Armenian sensation
Carl Lombe’s late leveller earned Armenia an
unexpected 1-1 draw against England and a fighting
chance of reaching the last four in Northern Ireland.
Although Samuel Petrosyan’s team are bottom of Group
B, victory against leaders France together with a
positive result in Saturday’s other match between
Norway and England, will send Armenia through. Their
captain, 18-year-old Manucharyan, is optimistic,
telling uefa.com: “It is sensational to see Armenia in
the final tournament, but we came here to compete, not
just participate. We have one game left and we’ll give
our all to win that and, hopefully, qualify for the
semi-finals.”
First success
The striker insists that his side’s success signals an
improvement in fortunes for his country: “This is our
first finals and it’s so important for Armenia and
Armenian football. This tournament is crucial for
Armenia in all respects. It’s our first footballing
success since we gained independence, and gives us
something to build on for the future so that we can
compete with the big nations. Everyone back home is
very interested in us, there is lots of coverage in
the press.
‘New generation’
“In Armenia, we have a new, talented generation who
can perhaps have success in the future,” continued
Manucharyan, who scored eight qualifying goals
including four in the decisive Elite round encounter
with Hungary. “The Football Federation of Armenia has
worked hard over the past couple of years, so we hope
to achieve something significant in the near future.
In two or three years we’ll have a very good senior
squad.”
‘Dream come true’
Having joined AFC Ajax from FC Pyunik on 1 July,
Manucharyan – who is already a full international and
scored against F.Y.R. Macedonia in a FIFA World Cup
qualifier in June – is probably his country’s most
famous current player, which is a source of great
pride. “This is a dream come true for me,” he said. “I
began my career at a very young age – I was playing
for the U17 national side when I was 15, so I was
exposed to attention early and have learnt to cope
with it. The pressure does not bother me.”
Ajax acclimatisation
The 2004 Armenian Player of the Year broke a bone in
his right foot while on trial with Ajax last December,
but never lost faith. “Ajax had been watching me for
two years, since I scored against the Netherlands in a
European U17 Championship qualifier, so I knew they
wanted me,” he said. “I’m settling in quickly, there’s
a very good atmosphere in the team. It’s new for me,
but I’m enjoying it very much. Ajax are a big club –
Pyunik are regularly champions of Armenia but there’s
a big difference between the two.
Every player must go forward and wants new challenges,
especially at a club as big as Ajax
Edgar Manucharyan
Time to move on
“With Pyunik, I won three league titles, two Armenian
Cups and the Armenian Super Cup, so I feel that
everything is done in Armenia,” Manucharyan added.
“Every player must go forward and wants new
challenges, especially at a club as big as Ajax. I
must train and work hard to succeed. I believe every
one of my team-mates at the U19s is capable of playing
at a high level in Europe, and I would be glad if some
of them follow me. It will be very good for the
progress of Armenian football, and that is what’s
important.”