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Willy Sagnol’s six-year tenure as head coach of the Georgia national team has ended. The French coach was dismissed after Georgia’s 1-0 defeat to Northern Ireland in a UEFA Nations League match.
Following his departure, Sagnol addressed a letter of thanks to the Georgian public. He described his six years in the country as “unforgettable” and said he would remember the emotions, special moments and experiences he had throughout that period for the rest of his life.
The coach extended special thanks to the Georgian Football Federation and the players. Sagnol said that even the most beautiful stories eventually come to an end and that he was leaving the country “with respect, gratitude and dignity.” He said he believed the friendships he had made in Georgia would last for many years and concluded his letter with the words, “We will meet again.”
Sagnol’s legacy in Georgian football
Willy Sagnol was appointed head coach of the Georgia national team in February 2021 and managed the side in 57 matches. During his tenure, Georgia qualified for the European Championship finals for the first time in the country’s football history.
Georgia, making its tournament debut in 2024, advanced from the group stage to the round of 16. The Georgian Football Federation thanked Sagnol for the historic journey and the emotions he shared with the team and supporters.
Ramaz Svanadze to take charge
Ramaz Svanadze has been appointed head coach of the Georgia national team. The Georgian coach has signed a contract running until the end of 2028.
Svanadze is known for his achievements with Georgia’s under-21 team. He guided the side to the European Championship finals twice. Under Svanadze, Georgia faced teams such as the Netherlands and Belgium and secured a victory over Portugal.
His teams are known for a high press and an aggressive approach without the ball. Svanadze generally prefers a 4-3-3 formation and possession-based football. In 2023, however, he used a deeper defensive setup with five players at the back against stronger opponents, relying on counterattacks.
Svanadze’s record and links to the national team
Ramaz Svanadze comes from a footballing family. He is the nephew of former Dinamo defender Zaur Svanadze. His father, Mamuka Svanadze, played for Torpedo Kutaisi.
- Matches: 45
- Wins: 20
- Draws: 10
- Defeats: 15
- Win rate: 44 percent
Svanadze has known many of the players currently in Georgia’s senior squad since his time working with the youth teams. This gives him prior knowledge of the players’ strengths, habits and areas for development.
National team assistant coach Giorgi Adamia will lead the under-21 team in its final three qualifying matches.
Svanadze takes over a team with European Championship experience and a demonstrated ability to compete on the continental stage. After six years, 57 matches and a historic European Championship campaign, Sagnol leaves a significant mark on Georgian football.
