Willy Sagnol announces Otar Kiteishvili as captain for Georgia vs Armenia match #1TVSPORT

Willy Sagnol, head coach of the Georgian National Football Team, held a press briefing ahead of the UEFA Nations League playoff match against Armenia.

He acknowledged that the Georgian players had participated in numerous matches this autumn, including those at the European Championships, and reported they were feeling fatigued. However, he expressed optimism, noting that they were energized and ready for the upcoming match.

Sagnol confirmed that Guram Kashia and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia would miss the first match against Armenia, but other players would have the opportunity to step up, including Saba Goglichidze.

“Facing Armenia will be a historic match, a true Caucasian derby, and we have some challenging games ahead. Nevertheless, we are not a C-level team; our aim is to maintain our position in the B division.

In the absence of Kashia, Otar Kiteishvili will serve as captain, but Guram Kashia will return for the subsequent match, with Otar potentially being the future captain,” he stated.

Sagnol also addressed Giorgi Mamardashvili’s recent struggles at Valencia.

“While this has been a tough period for Giorgi, we are confident in his skills and abilities, and we hope to see him back in top form soon. As for Kvaratskhelia, he is thriving at Paris Saint-Germain and is putting in a lot of effort defensively,” he added.

The Georgian National Football Team will compete against Armenia in a UEFA Nations League playoff match in Yerevan on March 20. Georgia will host Armenia at the Dinamo Arena Stadium in Tbilisi on March 23.

The GPB’s First Channel will broadcast the matches live, and Republic Square will host a live screening of the Georgia vs. Armenia football match.