‘I can consider myself working in Georgia for the next years’ – Willy Sagnol pours cold water over Ireland move

The Georgia boss has been persistently linked with the vacant role, with several well placed FAI sources believing that the Frenchman had been lined up in March prior to the underdogs’ shock playoff victory over Gus Poyet’s Greece.

However, the subsequent vibes from Georgia are that the local association are confident that the 47-year-old will extend his stay there and Sagnol backed up that view when asked by the Irish Independent about his future intentions and the Ireland speculation.

“You know, as you can imagine, it’s really not the moment to talk about it,” said Sagnol, ahead of his side’s Euro 2024 opener with Turkey in Dortmund tomorrow, before then elaborating on that initial reply.

“I’m every day talking with my boss in Georgia, my president, vice president and the situation is very clear between each other.

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

“It’s not the right time for it (more discussion about his future) but I very much appreciate working in Georgia, the way it is

“And of course, I can consider myself working in Georgia for Georgia for the next years.”

Sagnol suggested that March’s victory has had a massive impact on football in Georgia, with players struggling to contain their excitement when they returned to their clubs.

He accepts they are underdogs in a group featuring Portugal, Czech Republic and tomorrow’s opposition.

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

“If the players haven’t dreamed about the European Championships before the play-off, we would never have achieved that.

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