Georgia coach Willy Sagnol has made it clear that his team will not be changing their tactics as they head into the knockout stages of Euro 2024. Despite being the lowest-ranked team at the tournament, Georgia stunned Portugal in their last group game to secure a spot in the round of 16 against Spain. Sagnol emphasized the importance of maintaining an attacking style of play, rather than just sitting back and defending. He believes that his team’s success so far has been a result of their ability to play their own game and not be intimidated by bigger opponents.
Reflecting on their 7-1 defeat to Spain in the qualifying rounds, Sagnol acknowledged that it was a difficult moment for Georgia. However, he also sees it as a valuable learning experience that has shaped their journey to the knockout stages of Euro 2024. Sagnol believes that facing challenges and overcoming setbacks is essential for personal growth and team development. He maintains that Georgia have already achieved a great deal by reaching this stage of the tournament and will go into the match against Spain with confidence and a positive mindset.
Sagnol praised the emergence of young talents like Nico Williams and Lamine Yamal in the Spain squad, highlighting their impact on the team’s performance. He sees the presence of young players as a refreshing change from the dominance of established stars like Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo in the football world. Sagnol believes that the new generation of players brings a sense of excitement and innovation to the game, which is good for the overall development of football. Despite acknowledging the quality of Spain’s squad, Sagnol remains optimistic about Georgia’s chances and the talent within their own team.
Georgia boasts talented players such as Georges Mikautadze, Giorgi Mamardashvili, and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, who have all made significant contributions to the team’s success so far. Mikautadze leads the tournament in goals scored, Mamardashvili has been exceptional in goalkeeping, and Kvaratskhelia caught the attention with his performance against Portugal. Mamardashvili’s bold statement about Kvaratskhelia being better than all of Spain’s players demonstrates the confidence and belief within the Georgian squad. Despite the underdog status, Georgia’s players are determined to prove their worth and make a mark on the tournament.
Georgia coach Willy Sagnol’s commitment to maintaining an attacking style of play against Spain reflects his confidence in the team’s abilities and belief in their potential. The team’s journey to the knockout stages of Euro 2024 has been marked by resilience, determination, and a willingness to learn from past defeats. As they face a formidable opponent in Spain, Georgia will rely on their talented squad and the spirit of unity to defy the odds and continue their impressive run in the tournament.
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