“Noah” is the favorite, but “Sigma” is set to play boldly: Janotka’s words before the match

The head coach of the Czech club Sigma, Tomáš Janotka, spoke at the pre-match press conference about the strength of the Armenian club Noah ahead of the match of the 3rd round of the 2025/26 UEFA Conference League. The match will take place on November 6 at 21:45 Yerevan time at the Republican Stadium in Yerevan.

The Czech specialist noted that Noah has significant experience in European competitions and has a quality squad strengthened by foreign players. According to Janotka, Noah is the favorite in the upcoming match, but Sigma is ready to put up a fight and will try to use its strengths.

– A year ago, Noah defeated Mlada Boleslav. Did you analyze that match?

— To be honest, we watched that match live. I must say that at that moment, when I didn’t yet know the level of the Armenian league and the teams that reach European competitions, the result surprised me. More precisely — what was happening on the field. Noah won deservedly. However, in preparation for our upcoming match, we did not use those recordings. We analyzed this season’s league games and Noah’s two previous matches in the Conference League.

– Are you ready for Noah’s playing style?

— We have enough material and analysis to minimize Noah’s strengths. We understand that their players, especially the foreign ones, have high individual skill. I am sure we will have tools to contain that, and at the same time, we ourselves can be dangerous. We see Noah’s strength, especially at home.

– Noah hasn’t lost in five European matches. What can they surprise you with, and what can you surprise them with?

— The field will show that. Micro-duels within the game are something players have not yet experienced against each other. In the national league, they know better what to expect. Here we only have preparation, and the behavior on the field must be read during the match.

Noah is well-balanced, and if we want success, we must defend at a high level to neutralize their strengths — and at the same time be dangerous ourselves. Noah concedes very few goals.

– Who is the favorite?

— In my opinion, Noah. Even before the start of the Conference League group stage, their chances of advancing were higher than ours. Plus, home stadium and greater European experience. They are the champion of their country. We see the strength of the opponent and respect their quality.

But I believe we will enter the field fully determined. We want to continue what we started in previous matches and build on the experience gained as newcomers. We already earned points — and we want more.

– Did you discuss Armenia with Pavel Hapal, who played here last year with Baník against Urartu?

— Yes, he remembered that match. Coincidentally, we are staying in the same hotel. He said he liked the food here (laughs).

– How is your cooperation with Hapal? Does he already help in training?

— We work closely. We’re in contact daily. He is with us during training preparations. But the match plans and training structure — we handle that. He is more of an observer. He gives feedback on the players. We value that. We already have lots of work. We discuss strengthening the squad and the long-term direction of Sigma.

– Two left-backs are unavailable. How serious is this?

— It’s a serious complication. Defensive changes are never easy. The first two options are out, so we must prepare the third and fourth. I believe the players who get their chance will cope, and the team will help them.

Dumitrescu waited patiently, because Jiří Sláma was very reliable. He played well against Mlada Boleslav, and we hoped he would continue. But this is football. Andres has a calf problem; the muscle is not ready for full work, so we didn’t bring him. We must find other solutions.

– Will we see Radim Breite (36-year-old captain) in the starting lineup?

— You will find out tomorrow (laughs).

– What do you expect from the opponent?

— Their most common formation is 4-3-3, and it’s of high quality. The central midfielder Eteki impressed us most — his passing accuracy is 95 percent, which is Champions League level.

On the wing, Ferreira stands out — he can beat his man and deliver key passes. And of course, their productive striker Mulahuseynović. The full-backs actively support attacks. The team is diverse thanks to its foreign players.

– How difficult is the three-hour time difference?

— We will see today and tomorrow. We shifted forward three hours, and on Friday we will shift back. We will adjust sleep and nutrition to make it easier for the body. Each person reacts individually.

Head coach of Noah: “The match against Sigma will be very important and difficult.”