Manuel Tulipa reflects on Ararat-Armenia’s title-winning season

Six years after its last league title, Ararat-Armenia has reclaimed the Armenian Premier League crown under head coach Manuel Tulipa.

Reflecting on a challenging but successful 2025/26 campaign in an interview with Armenpress, Tulipa credited teamwork, adaptation to a new coaching philosophy, and strong performances against top opponents as the foundations of the club’s title-winning season. Portuguese former footballer Tulipa has been Ararat-Armenia’s head coach since June 2025.

Armenpress: Mr. Tulipa, first of all, congratulations on winning the championship. What was this season like for you?

Tulipa: This Armenian Premier League season was very difficult for us. Throughout the entire season, we worked for this very moment for this championship title but we had very tough opponents. Our players did a fantastic job. We have a wonderful team and a wonderful staff at Ararat-Armenia. Perhaps we do not have the best players, but we have the best team.

Armenpress: What stages of development did Ararat-Armenia go through this season, particularly during the first and second halves of the campaign?

Tulipa: The first part of the season was difficult and required a great deal of effort from us. I think that was only natural because the team had a new head coach, a new coaching staff, and, of course, new ideas. Up until December, we were going through an adaptation period. However, after that, everything fell into place and progressed smoothly.

The second half of the season was something new for me because we had never experienced such a long break in our work before. We needed time to adapt to that rhythm. Looking back on the season is not difficult for me because we were the team that played the best football, especially against the league’s top sides.

Armenpress: Did you see the kind of progress in the team that you had hoped for from the outset?

Tulipa: Overall, I can only be satisfied with the football the team played. After all, after a long wait, we achieved our dream by becoming champions of the Armenian Premier League. However, football never stands still, and I expect an even stronger team next season.

Armenpress: Of course, there is still time, but what kind of team would you like to have ready for the Champions League qualifiers?

Tulipa: I think it is still too early to talk about the Champions League. Right now, we simply want to take a short break, and only then will we fully focus on the qualifying campaign. I will do everything possible to ensure that everyone recovers properly, both physically and mentally, because difficult opponents await us. In addition to the Champions League, we will also face strong competition in the domestic league.

Armenpress: How have you adapted to life in Armenia, and what are your impressions of the country?

Tulipa: Armenia is truly a wonderful country. I also really appreciate the warmth of the people. My family feels very comfortable here as well, and that is perhaps the most important thing for me.