FC Noah will face Chelsea this Thursday and it couldn’t have a weirder story. It was created from a project practically from scratch, with few fans, but enough investment to make a difference in Armenian football.
They travel to Stamford Bridge straight from Armenia to face the Blues in the Conference League, having made history by entering the competition. Of the 50 teams that were present in the first qualifying round, the Armenians were the only ones to reach the playoffs.
The club was originally called “Artsakh” in 2017, but changed its name in 2019. It has changed owners, stadium and even the city more than once, despite its short existence.
In 2020, they won the Armenian Cup, but they had never achieved the feat of being part of a European round before this season.
Last season they finished second in the league, just two points behind champions FC Pyunik. Now, FC Noah is led by Portuguese Rui Mota, who was chosen by the club’s businessman, Vardges Vardanyan, who gave the club a new structure.
This summer alone, they signed 16 players, and in the first half of 2024 they had already acquired three more players. No team member has been part of the club for more than two years.
Businessman Vardanyan took over the club in August 2023 and quickly began making structural changes. In an interview with BBC Sport, he addressed the transfer market regarding his decisions.
“During the summer transfer window, we made the strategic decision to rebuild the team to align with our ambitious goals. Starting with nine players on June 17th, we worked hard to strengthen the squad, ensuring it was ready and competitive for the Conference League.
Furthermore, he also made a point to make FC Noah’s objectives very clear.
“This success enables us to set even higher goals, continue our development and secure Noah’s place among the best clubs in European football. Ultimately, my goal is to contribute to the growth of Armenian football and build a legacy that serves future generations,” said the businessman.
Regarding investments, he said that his project aims to turn Noah into a competitive club with the aim of winning trophies in the future.
“Currently, our investments and allocation of resources are unprecedented in the history of Armenian football. My long-term goal with Noah is to create a competitive club, with a distinct identity and a presence on the European football map.”
In addition, he has gathered some support in relation to the project started at the club, as in the case of Luís Figo. It may seem strange that he is associated with Armenian football, but the former star was one of the first to support Vardanyan.
“Luís Figo was one of the first to support my vision to build this project. He believed in the success of the program and was available to help in basic areas. We are friends and we often discuss the development of the club, and Figo offers valuable advice. We have big plans with Figo, especially to promote Noah’s young talents abroad and to improve the club’s international reputation,” he revealed.
There have been many promises and expectations following the enthusiasm of the fans who joined FC Noah after entering the Conference League. Those responsible for the club want to reward new fans and promise a new stadium with a capacity for 20,000 people.
Right now, it’s time to face Chelsea and a good result would be a miracle for the Armenians, if the club didn’t have a biblical name.
Interview Between Time.news Editor and Football Expert on FC Noah’s Journey
Time.news Editor: Welcome to our special segment on the fascinating journey of FC Noah as they prepare to take on Chelsea in the Conference League this Thursday. Joining me today is football expert and commentator, Dr. Anna Makaryan. Anna, thank you for being here!
Dr. Anna Makaryan: Thank you for having me! It’s a pleasure to discuss such an exciting story in Armenian football.
Editor: FC Noah’s rise to prominence has been quite extraordinary, hasn’t it? From its inception just a few years ago to now competing at Stamford Bridge, it seems like a fairy tale.
Anna: Absolutely! This club, originally founded as “Artsakh” in 2017 and then rebranded as FC Noah in 2019, represents a remarkable transformation in Armenian football. Their ability to establish themselves in the European arena speaks volumes about strategic planning and investment.
Editor: Speaking of investment, we see that businessman Vardges Vardanyan took over in August 2023 and has made rapid changes, including signing 16 new players over the summer. How significant do you think this restructuring is for the club?
Anna: It’s pivotal. Vardanyan clearly has a vision. By overhauling the squad and focusing on fresh talent, he’s not just aiming for short-term success in the Conference League, but is looking to build a sustainable future for the club. It’s about laying the groundwork to ensure FC Noah can compete consistently at higher levels.
Editor: They had previously won the Armenian Cup in 2020 but had no European experience before this season. In your opinion, do you think this experience will shape their future performance?
Anna: Absolutely. Competing in Europe, especially against teams like Chelsea, exposes players to a different level of intensity and tactics. It’s invaluable experience. Even if they face challenges this time around, the lessons learned will be crucial for their development and resilience as a team going forward.
Editor: It’s impressive that FC Noah became the only team from the original 50 in the qualifying round to reach the playoffs. What does this say about the potential of Armenian football on the European stage?
Anna: It highlights the growing competitiveness within Armenian football. FC Noah’s success can inspire other teams and clubs within the country to raise their standards, invest wisely, and pursue a similar vision. It’s a beacon of hope for many aspiring clubs in the region.
Editor: Vardanyan mentioned wanting to contribute to the growth of Armenian football and build a legacy. How essential is the role of visionaries like him in transforming clubs like FC Noah?
Anna: Visionaries are critical. They provide the strategic direction, financial investment, and passion necessary to disrupt the status quo. Vardanyan’s ambitions are not just focused on FC Noah, but on elevating the entire league, which can have a holistic impact on the sport in Armenia. His vision gives the club a sense of purpose and benchmarks for success.
Editor: As FC Noah enters this historical match with Chelsea, what keys to the game would you recommend for them to maximize their chances?
Anna: They should focus on solidifying their defense and maintaining composure under pressure. Chelsea will undoubtedly apply significant pressure, so fast counterattacks could be their best opportunity for creating chances. Also, a strong psychological approach is vital—playing without fear against a massive club can sometimes lead to surprising results.
Editor: What an insightful discussion, Anna! FC Noah’s journey is indeed remarkable, and their match against Chelsea will be closely watched. Thank you for sharing your expertise with us today.
Anna: Thank you! I’m excited to see how this match unfolds and the impact it will have on both FC Noah and Armenian football.