Georgia parts ways with Willy Sagnol after the Nations League debacle
On Friday, Georgia lost 0-1 at home to Northern Ireland on the opening day of the Nations League, which led the federation to dismiss Willy Sagnol from his role as head coach and end his tenure that began in February 2021.
The decisive goal was scored by Fulham’s Shea Charles in the 90+9 minute, sealing the Georgian defeat. A few minutes earlier, PSG captain Khvicha Kvaratskhelia missed a penalty that could have equalised. This series of incidents fed the frustration of the Tbilisi crowd.
In an official statement, the Georgian Football Federation said: “Thank you, Willy Sagnol, for every minute spent with the Georgian national team and for the emotions we have shared together on this historic journey.” The text highlighted the unprecedented nature of the run achieved at Euro 2024.
Appointment of Ramaz Svanadze
The federation announced that Georgian coach Ramaz Svanadze will take over until the end of 2028. Svanadze, 45, has led the U21 side on two occasions at the European championships for the age group. His mandate aims to prepare the next qualification phase for the Euro.
Willy Sagnol, former Champions League and Intercontinental Cup winner with Bayern Munich in 2001, had been in charge of the national side since February 2021. Under his guidance, Georgia reached the round of 16 at Euro 2024, the country’s first appearance at the tournament. However, the team failed to qualify for the World Cup in the United States, Mexico and Canada, which had already drawn criticism.
Statistics and discrepancies
Various reports indicate that Sagnol has managed Georgia either 54 or 57 matches. According to one of them, his record stands at 24 wins, 10 draws and 20 defeats. The manager, 49, was awarded two years ago with the Order of Honour of the Georgian state.
Ramaz Svanadze, for his part, led the U21 side at two European championships, experience that the federation hopes to capitalise on. His contract, signed until 2028, shows the desire for stability after Sagnol’s departure. The local coach will need to quickly prepare the squad for the next clash.
Next challenge against Ukraine
Georgia’s next match will take place on Monday against Ukraine, who recently secured their three points in Group F in Hungary. Khvicha Kvaratskhelia has promised that the team will come back stronger after the defeat. This duel will be Svanadze’s first test at the helm of the senior side.