The Georgia national team will play Portugal in the third round of the group stage at the EURO 2024.

Willy Sagnol held a pre-match press conference and answered the questions of media.

“I do not think we are here to talk about the previous matches but to talk about the match against Portugal.

Budu Zivzivadze? We have some options. I have not decided who will play on the pitch yet. I am the only one who makes the decisions who will play. 6-7 months ago, everyone was criticizing me for putting Mikautadze on the bench and giving Zivzivadze playing time. I am far from politics and this issue is spoiling my mood. I am a football coach and some idiots criticize me for non-football reasons. Sorry for the bad tone, but I am the only one who is choosing lineup. Yes, Budu may play tomorrow.

As for Kiteishvili, he will be ready tomorrow. Being here is already like a big win for us but people always want more and of course, we want more. Portugal is a fantastic team with top players. If we even have a little chance to qualify, my players will do everything for that.

Participation in the European Championship means a lot to us. It is a great experience for my team.

It has been difficult to recover due to tight schedule. Some have more energy, some – less but we do not have only 11 players, we have 26. There may be some changes tomorrow but I am not going to change the whole team.

The previous matches showed to everyone that Georgia deserves to be here because before the championship we heard even from top legends that Georgia’s presence at the European Championship was not good for football. We may not win the championship but we deserve to be here.

Shengelia and all 26 players are ready to play. He works hard, like all players, and we need such players on the team.

As for Sigua? If I listen to all of you, I have to change the football rules and have all 26 players on the pitch. I called him up instead of Jaba Kankava because he is a young, talented player and can play at high level. I am sure this experience will help him in the future”, - said Sagnol.

Georgia has 1 point after two rounds and in case of victory, the team will qualify. In case of tie, Georgia will depend on the results of other groups.

Georgia – Portugal match will take place in Gelsenkirchen on June 26. The match will start at 23:00 Tbilisi time.

WORLDSPORT.GE from Gelsenkirchen