Temur Ketsbaia, head coach of the Georgian national team, said at the press conference, hold before the match against Ireland, that no matter if they will be in attack or in defense. The main thing is to earn points and make through to the top three.
Sandro Kobakhidze, midfielder of the team, attended the press conference with Ketsbaia. Before Ketsbaia answered journalist’s questions, the new gambling form of the national team was presented. “Adidas” made the team’s equipment and T-shirts are white and red. The Georgians will play against Ireland with white T-shirts.
Temur Ketsbaia: Finally, a new cycle begins. The team was preparing for the upcoming match during 2 weeks. We believe that the players will do everything for success. However, this will not be easy.
-The team had problems at the left wing of defense. To whom did you make choice?
-We do not want to talk about our problems and make others know it. We need to solve our problems by ourselves. We will see who will play on the left wing on Sunday.
-During the presentation of a new ball, you promised that the team would score more. Psychologically, what is the attitude of the team?
-It does not matter how many goals our team will score or not. If we end all ten matches in a draw and take the third place, we will consider it as success. We, Ireland, Scotland, Poland and Gibraltar want to win. There is a good mood in the team. The meeting went well.
-In 2008, the domestic match against Ireland did not take place in Tbilisi, is this extra motivation?
-This is past, now we have to talk about the future.
-You have played with Shay Given in “Newcastle”. Do you prefer him stand in the doors?
-I am glad that Shay is in Georgia. He is my good friend. Whether he plays or not, this is a decision of O’Neill. No matter who will stand in the door, we want to score.
-We have poor balance with Ireland and this team is an awkward opponent for us. How success can be achieved?
Sandro Kobakhidze: Ireland is a good team, but we have the opportunity to defeat direct opponent and get points.
-So far, the team played defensive football, would you make any changes in tactics or you choose the playing scheme according to the opponent?
Temur Ketsbaia: I cannot agree that we always played defensive football. However, most of the games we did so. Being a coach is not just train 11 players and let them play on the field. You have to assess your and opponent’s capabilities. I cannot tell you that tomorrow we will attack from the beginning. The main thing is that everybody knew what to do and the result will be. It does not matter we play in attack or in defense. To tell the truth, we are not on such level to play in attack. The Georgian clubs proved this at Euro Cups.
-You have played in Premier League and Champions League. So, you know Irish players well. Would this be a positive factor?
-Basically, these players play in England and we know their capabilities. Physically they are trained well. The matches will be very difficult. Those, who wins these battles, will have a greater chance of winning.
-How satisfied you are by the victory of the youth team over Netherlands? What resources do you see for the first team?
-The fact that we won over favorite Netherlands is good for Georgian football. When the opportunity of playing in the Super League was given to these guys they grew up in a month.
-Your most pleasant memories are connected to the period you played for “Newcastle”.
-The period spent in Scotland and England is full of good memories. Premier League is the best league in the world. Many people attend the games, there are good stadiums, good players. I am glad that I will go to Scotland and Ireland again.
-What can you say about the new playing form?
-“Adidas” is my favorite brand. in my opinion, “Adidas” is the number one firm for football. We want to change something and we started with this. It is very good form. The only thing left is to go out and win the game.
The match of Georgia and Ireland will take place on September 7, in Tbilisi, at “Dinamo Arena”, 20:00.
Lasha Tabagari
