Willy Sagnol leaves Georgia after historic six-year spell

Willy Sagnol’s six-year spell as Georgia head coach has ended, closing a historic chapter that saw the country reach its first European Championship and advance to the last 16.

The Frenchman was dismissed following Georgia’s 1-0 Nations League defeat to Northern Ireland, bringing an end to a tenure that transformed the national team’s fortunes.

Sagnol responded to his departure with a heartfelt thank-you letter to the country he has called home.

‘Georgia will always hold a special place in my heart’

Sagnol’s message was warm and personal. He described the last six years as “unforgettable”, filled with emotions, special moments and experiences that he will carry with him for the rest of his life.

He reserved particular thanks for the Football Federation and his players, saying they had given him feelings he had never experienced before.

Reflecting on his departure, Sagnol said even the most beautiful story must come to an end and that he was leaving “with respect, gratitude and dignity”.

He also highlighted the friendships he had forged during his time in Georgia, saying he was leaving behind not only colleagues but genuine, deep friendships that he believes will last for decades.

He signed off with a promise rather than a goodbye: “We will meet again.”

Six years, 57 matches and a historic Euros

Sagnol took charge in February 2021 and led Georgia through 57 matches, overseeing a period in which the national team established itself on the European stage.

The defining moment came in 2024, when Georgia qualified for the European Championship for the first time.

The debutants went beyond simply reaching the tournament, progressing through the group stage and into the last 16 - an achievement that had seemed almost unthinkable only a few years earlier.

The Football Federation thanked Sagnol “for every minute” and for the emotions shared during a historic journey.

For Georgia, the impact extended beyond results, giving a generation of players and supporters the experience of seeing their national team compete on one of football’s biggest stages.

Ramaz Svanadze takes charge

Ramaz Svanadze will now take over as Georgia’s senior national team coach, with the Georgian appointed until the end of 2028.

Svanadze built his reputation with Georgia’s under-21 side, guiding the team to the European Championship finals twice. During his tenure, Georgia competed with teams including the Netherlands and Belgium and recorded a victory over Portugal.

His sides are known for high pressing and an aggressive approach without the ball, while also looking to build from the back through combination play. Svanadze has generally favoured a 4-3-3 formation and a possession-based approach.

He has also demonstrated tactical flexibility. In 2023, Svanadze switched to a five-man defence, allowing his side to defend deeper and counter-attack against stronger opponents.

Football runs in the family

Svanadze comes from a footballing family. He is the nephew of former Dinamo defender Zaur Svanadze, while his father, Mamuka Svanadze, played for Torpedo Kutaisi.

 

Familiar faces in the senior squad

Svanadze already knows many of the players who now form the core of Georgia’s senior squad, having worked with them during their time in the youth ranks.

That familiarity means he takes charge with an existing understanding of their strengths, playing habits and development.

Meanwhile, assistant coach Giorgi Adamia will take charge of the under-21 side for the final three matches of its qualifying campaign, maintaining continuity within the national-team set-up.

What next for Georgia?

Svanadze inherits a team significantly different from the one Sagnol took over in 2021. Georgia now have major tournament experience and a squad that has already shown it can compete on the European stage.

Sagnol leaves after six years, 57 matches and a landmark European Championship campaign - a period that has secured his place in Georgian football history.

• Armenia and Georgia to co-host 2029 FIFA U-20 World Cup
• 55 UEFA members threaten to boycott FIFA competitions, including World Cup

Tags

Georgia Svanadze Euro 2024 Northern Ireland Football