Marco Rossi: We Don’t Consider Ourselves a Special Superteam
Marco Rossi, head coach of the Hungarian national football team, addressed the media ahead of their upcoming match against Armenia. The team arrived in Yerevan after a travel schedule affected by a three-hour time difference. They were not able to maintain their usual routine, which typically includes a practice session the day before a match.
Pre-Match Preparations in Yerevan
The team conducted their training session in Telki before departing for Armenia. Upon arriving, players were greeted with an opportunity to familiarize themselves with the local conditions.
- Training Schedule: The squad trained in Yerevan after a light stroll on the morning of the match day.
- Location: The practice took place at the Vazgen Sargsyan Republican Stadium, where ticket sales indicated a near-capacity crowd.
Press Conference Highlights
During the press conference, Coach Rossi emphasized the need for respect towards their opponents. He described Armenia’s recent performances, stating:
- The Armenian team struggled initially in the World Cup qualifiers, suffering a loss to Portugal.
- However, they rebounded impressively, notably defeating Ireland on their home turf.
- Rossi acknowledged that Hungary had faced strong challenges from Armenia in their previous encounters.
“We cannot underestimate the opponent. Our mindset must be right. If we don’t apply pressure, they can become dangerous,” Rossi stated.
Team Objectives and Mindset
Rossi clarified Hungary’s ambitions for the match, referring to their pursuit of points in the qualifiers. He noted:
- “This is like a mission for us. We are aware of our goals and will not act arrogantly.”
- “We don’t see ourselves as a special superteam, but our aim is to secure three points and compete for second place in our group.”
He acknowledged the challenges ahead but assured that the team was prepared and motivated for the fight ahead. Hungarian players were upbeat and ready to tackle their next challenge on the pitch.
