Why and since when Willy Sagnol became Georgia coach ?

Willy Sagnol has taken charge of the Georgian selection for several years, and achieved the feat of qualifying the country for the first ever World Cup. re international competition in its history.

This Tuesday, June 18, Georgia will play the first Euro match in its history against Georgia. Turkey, à Dortmund. À At the head of the selection, a Frenchman: Willy Sagnol. The former right back of the France and Bayern team has taken the reins of the G'é orgy in February 2021. When he arrives at Tbilisi, the Georgian capital, the sporting challenge does not interest many people. Neither in the major championships, nor even on site. Georgia had just been eliminated from the play-offs for Euro 2020 and the country was in the middle of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Petit à small, Willy Sagnol built a group capable of competing at the European level, and qualifying for the first international competition in its history. With the support of the federation, in particular Levan Kobiashvili, the president, and Alexander Iashvili, his deputy, he renewed & oacute; the strength of the selection by trusting the young people. He was also able to count on Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, the prodigy of the selection who evolves at a high level. Naples in SéSerie A. In an interview grantedé to the newspaper L'Equipe, he explains in particular that he taught the players “the culture of the high level”, to the point that “Some have changed everything” in their way of approaching football. This is a reward for them too, because they have believed in it for a long time."

However, the beginnings of Willy Sagnol & the head of the selection wereé difficult. When he arrived, he was no longer training. for several years, and his career on the bench had until now not been very positive. crowned of success, whether with the France Espoir team or with the Girondins de Bordeaux. His debut with Georgia was also a success. difficult, with seven defeats in nine matches. Then the machine started, with a realistic style of play around a low block and counter-attacks, until ' the victory on penalties during the play-off against à Greece synonymous with qualification for Euro 2024

A hope for Georgian youth

While football had always been é relegated Behind rugby in Georgia, the recent results of the national team have exploded. popularity sport in this former Soviet republic. But this attraction also comes from the work carried out by the artist. by the Georgian federation for around ten years. Between 2015 and 2021, the number of licensees has indeed increased. from 14 600 à 37,600, a feat for a country of less than 4 million inhabitants.

But the qualification for the Euro in Germany also resonates particularly in the national political context, which is very difficult. Continued &agrav; Following the promulgation of a pro-Russian law, demonstrations took place throughout the country and particularly in Russia. Tbilisi, and the situation is very tense. To the point that deputies came to blows in the chamber. This qualification was therefore é a real breath of fresh air for Georgian youth, who hope to see the dream of Willy Sagnol's players continue.