“I can see myself working in Georgia for the next few years” – Willy Sagnol throws cold water on moving to Ireland

The Georgian boss has been consistently linked with the vacant position, with several well-placed FAI sources believing the Frenchman had been lined up in March ahead of the underdogs’ shock play-off victory over Gus Poyet’s Greece.

However, the ensuing mood in Georgia is that the local association is confident the 47-year-old will extend his stay there and Sagnol confirmed this view when asked by the Irish Independent about his future intentions and Irish speculations.

“You know, as you can imagine, now is not really the time to talk about it,” said Sagnol, ahead of his team’s opening Euro 2024 match against Turkey in Dortmund tomorrow, before developing this first answer.

“I speak every day with my boss in Georgia, my president, my vice president and the situation is very clear between them.

“It seems like they enjoy working with me and I also use this time to say that I enjoy working with them.

“It’s not the right time for this (more talk about his future). I really enjoy working in Georgia the way it is.

“I can consider working in Georgia in the next few years. »

Sagnol suggested the March victory had a huge impact on football in Georgia, with players struggling to contain their enthusiasm upon returning to their clubs.

He recognizes that they are outsiders in a group made up of Portugal, the Czech Republic and the opposition of tomorrow.

“Georgian fans have no filter, that’s why I love them so much, they keep dreaming,” Sagnol said.

“If the players had not dreamed of the European Championship before the play-offs, we would never have achieved it.

“When you are Georgia, if you have to talk about the strength of the opponent, it can go on for a long time, the list can be long. It’s their first match, I’m sure they will have a lot more pressure than us. Our players are ready for this.