Ahead of the UEFA Conference League 2026/27 first qualifying round match against Maltese side Marsaxlokk, Pyunik’s head coach Artak Oseyan and midfielder Karlen Hovhannisyan held a pre-match press conference.

Karlen Hovhannisyan noted that he evaluates his fitness level as good, and both he and the entire team are in a combative mood.

"The pre-match mood is very competitive. We have prepared with the mindset that we must return from here with a victory. We had a very good training camp, played a few friendly matches, and tested our strength. Now, we are ready only for a win.

I must say that the weather conditions are a bit unusual for us, given the local Mediterranean climate. For that very reason, we arrived in Malta earlier to undergo acclimatization, so to speak.

These games are decisive and demonstrative for us. We must perform well and try to go as far as possible."

Artak Oseyan, assessing the team's current form, expressed confidence that they used the preparation period with maximum efficiency and are ready to properly present themselves in the first official match of the season.

"The team is in a very combative and serious mood. We had a good preparation period, and in that regard, we can say that a quite significant amount of work has been done. In my opinion, the team is ready for this stage. Of course, there are some concerning things, but that is a natural phenomenon.

To be honest, we do not attach much importance to whether we play the first match away or at home. The turf here is artificial—this might create certain difficulties, but I do not think it will be decisive. In my opinion, completely different factors will play a decisive role in tomorrow's match.

Of course, we have analyzed our opponent well enough and pay absolutely no attention to the results this team registered in European competitions in the past, because that is in the past and has nothing to do with today. I can say that Marsaxlokk is a quite quality team, assembled with experienced football players. They play a very rational and balanced football, and I will add that tactically they are quite organized. So, we expect a very tough competition.

Definitely, Pyunik's experience in the European arena will be one of the team's main trump cards, but besides experience, we must put in many other qualities to be able to achieve a positive result."