GEORGIA boss Willy Sagnol delivered an angry X-rated denial when quizzed on whether his Euro 2024 team selection is influenced by political interference.
There has been huge political turmoil since the controversial “foreign influence” legislation came in earlier this month in the former Soviet Union.
That was after weeks of protests against the Georgian Dream party that brought it in.
Georgia face Portugal tomorrow in their final Group F game after losing to Turkey and drawing with Czech Republic.
Ahead of their must-win showdown, their French manager Sagnol, who was a 2006 World Cup finalist with his country, faced the media.
He was furious when he was asked if striker Budu Zivzivadze’s playing time had been restricted due to politics.
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The 30-year-old, who plays for Karlsruher SC, slammed the law, which many say is modelled on Russian legislation used to stifle dissent.
And Sagnol delivered a foul-mouthed tirade when that was put to him at the press conference in Gelsenkirchen.
The ex-Bayern Munich man raged: “It’s funny because I remember six, seven months ago I was insulted by a big amount of people when I was putting (Georges) Mikautadze on the bench, and when I was letting Budu play.
“And now I’m insulted, every day, by some t*** – and I can say it, I say it again, t*** – because for absolutely no football reasons. And I can’t accept that any longer.
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“I’m a football coach, I’m nothing else. That is clear to everyone. Who plays and who doesn’t play it’s my entire decision. That’s it.”
Sagnol, who has been in charge of Georgia since 2021 after previously coaching Bordeaux, added: “If I had to listen to every one of you then we would have to change the rules and play with 25 players on the pitch.”
Georgia have just a point from their first ever two matches at a major international and are bottom of Group F.
However, a win over Portugal, who are already certain of top spot, would guarantee them a place in the knockouts as one of the four best third-placed teams.
And star winger Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, 23, has every faith that they will advance.
He said: “We’re confident that we can win because we went close against Turkey and the Czech Republic.
“Anything can happen at any moment, you can create something that can be a turning point in any match.”
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Georgia Euro 2024 guide
TOURNAMENT rookies Georgia have absolutely nothing to lose as they step onto the big stage for the first time.
They held their nerve to qualify with a penalty shootout win over former European champions Greece in the play-offs.
MANAGER: Willy Sagnol
Former France star and Bayern Munich legend took over in 2021 after a stint as Bayern’s interim boss.
STAR MAN: Khvicha Kvaratskhelia
The Napoli winger has been linked with almost every top club in Europe and Georgia will need him to shine if they are to perform at the Euros.
How Georgia attack
Georgia may be underdogs but they’re a country that produced highly technical players and that will be reflected in their approach.
They may play longer at times, but their players are confident in playing out from the back and Kvaratskhelia will glide around the pitch looking to get on the ball as often as possible.
How Georgia defend
Georgia will drop off and crowd the middle with a medium defensive block.
However, they are vulnerable in wide areas and can be caught out with balls over the top.
Read the full Georgia Euro 2024 guide here, including predicted line-ups, odds and Wags
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
