Ketsbaia assumes Georgia reins
Friday, November 6, 2009
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Temuri Ketsbaia has been appointed coach of his native Georgia for UEFA EURO 2012™ qualifying less than two months after being dismissed by Olympiacos FC, saying: "I want a call-up to the national side to be a joy."
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Temuri Ketsbaia has been appointed as the man to guide his native Georgian national team through UEFA EURO 2012™ qualifying less than two months after being dismissed by Olympiacos FC.
Two-year deal
Raúl Cúper parted company with the Georgian Football Federation earlier this week after collecting just three points from 2010 FIFA World Cup qualification. Ketsbaia has swiftly been ushered in as his replacement, signing a deal until 31 December 2011 that comes into force on 1 January next year. He will discover his team's qualification path in the draw in Warsaw on 7 February.
Ambition
Ketsbaia left his post at Olympiacos on 15 September, the day before the Greek side commenced their UEFA Champions League campaign. He previously had five years in charge of Anorthosis Famagusta FC of Cyprus, also leading them into Europe's premier club competition in 2008/09 having won two league titles. "I am happy to be given a chance to help Georgian football," said the 41-year-old former international midfielder, who was capped 49 times. "We have decent resources and if we use them in a proper way we can play good football. I will not promise to guide the team to a major tournament in two, four or six years, but we will fight for it. I want a call-up to the national side to be a joy for all the players, not torture."
