David Campaña, an Andalusian at the helm of the Armenian champion

David Campaña have new equipment. After a notable season at the modest FC Lori -the objective was permanence and they managed to fight for European positions-, the Marbella coach was presented as a new tenant of the bench of Ararat-Armenia, reigning champion of the First Division of the country. The Spanish replaces Vardan Minasyan, who did not reach a renewal agreement after winning two leagues and a Super Cup in the two years he remained in office. The bar, therefore, is high. “The club aspires to win everything, but they have not brought me here for the titles I have won because they are zero. I have been chosen because of the way my previous teams play. I feel the responsibility to translate that into good results, “says Campaña.

The Andalusian arrives at a young club used to winning from the first moment. Ararat-Armenia was founded in 2017, in 2018 it was promoted to First and it has already been proclaimed champion of the category on two occasions -all in which he has participated-. “It is a club with very few years of life, but a lot of experience. Our base is in the spectacular facilities of the Armenian Federation in Yerevan and, therefore, we have very good resources,” discovers Campaña, considered by public opinion to be one of the best coaches that has passed through the Armenian First Division after his excellent work in charge of FC Lori: “Honestly, I don't feel superior or inferior to anyone. The only thing I perceive is the affection of all the people who are part of Ararat-Armenia”.

David Campaña will not be alone in Yerevan. The Marbella player arrives at Ararat accompanied by three other Spaniards: the physical trainer also joins the club Jorge Gómez, the analyst Francisco Compañ and the goalkeeper coach Félix Ramírez: “They will all be assistants because they have already worked with me and they know the game model perfectly.” The incorporation of new footballers is also expected. Few, yes, because “the squad has a lot of quality and, to make the leap, we either spend a lot of money or improve the collective game.” Campaign will, of course, opt for the second option, which will save costs an institution that owns another club in the Russian Third Division.

Another of the great incentives for David Campaña's arrival in Ararat-Armenia is the club's participation in the preliminary phase of the UEFA Champions League. Last year the Armenians fell at the first change in the maximum continental competition, but they passed two rounds of the Europa League and were about to reach the 'play-off' prior to the group stage. “It is an atypical season. Our first two 'friendlies' will be the Super Cup and the preliminary phase of the Champions League. We have very little preparation time, but we will seek to enjoy it and try to give the fans a joy, “estimates David Campaña before starting his third season abroad.