Minasyan calls time on spell as Armenia coach
Tuesday, October 22, 2013
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Vardan Minasyan, 39, will end his successful four-year tenure as Armenia's head coach at the end of the month after turning down the offer of a new contract.
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Vardan Minasyan has chosen to step down as Armenia coach when his contract expires at the end of this month.
The 39-year-old announced his decision to leave after meeting with Football Federation of Armenia (FFA) president Ruben Hayrapetyan, ending his successful tenure.
"The president asked me to keep working with the national team. I declined but obviously thanked him for his confidence," said Minasyan. "I wish to thank the players with whom I made this tough journey and overcame many difficulties. We achieved a lot by creating this team and I hope they will continue to bring our nation many great victories."
Appointed in 2009, Minasyan guided Armenia to the UEFA EURO 2012 play-offs and finished just three points short of second place in 2014 FIFA World Cup qualifying Group B. They beat every side in the section bar winners Italy, with whom they drew 2-2 in their last outing. Armenia have risen to a record high of 38th in the FIFA national team rankings as a result.