The Georgia national team will face Spain in 1/8 final of the EURO 2024. Willy Sagnol, head coach of the Georgia national team, answered the questions of media in the press conference hall of RheinEnergieStadion.

“Winning over Portugal was very emotional for us because this result was not expected from us and we are happy to be here. We had four days to recover energy but I do not think it will be a problem and I am sure my players have already recovered energy. They are looking forward to playing tomorrow.

I cannot say much about losing 1:7 to Spain. It was tough moment for us but we need difficulties to move forward. Otherwise, you cannot achieve big goals. We have played Spain four times in the last 3 years. We have lost all of them but tomorrow will be a different match.

Spain has not conceded a goal in the group. It will be a tough match but as I said, it will be a different match with different environment and a lot can happen.

Team atmosphere? It would be easy to say that this is due to recent good results but when I came to Georgia, I knew nothing about this country. I only knew a few Georgians. It took me some time but I knew we had different mentality. However, after some time I found my position in Georgia where I am happy. I am happy when I arrive in Georgia. That is part of the way because if you are not happy in the country you are working in, you will not do well.

I am not needed for motivation, being here is already motivation and no other words are needed. Probably, they need a mentality from me to calm them down sometimes because the Georgian players are very emotional. Our mentalities merge and therefore, we manage to work in a balanced way.

Like Portugal, Spain is also a huge team but we cannot think only about playing in defense. We want to show Spain and Europe that we cannot only play in defense and that we have ability to use the ball correctly. We showed it against Portugal and will try to do the same tomorrow.

Making decisions is a part of my job. I make decisions based on what I see and feel and I am happy if it helps the team. Tomorrow is a new match and there will be new decisions. Let’s see what it will bring to us. We are confident because we have nothing to lose. We have already won this championship. I am just happy that we will hear the national anthem of Georgia once again at this tournament”, - said Sagnol.

The match between Georgia and Spain will be held on June 30. It will start at 23:00 Tbilisi time.