Who is Willy Sagnol? The Georgia coach who led the nation to their first major tournament

Updated: 4 Apr 2024 08:20 CDT
6 min read

Georgia had never before managed to qualify for a major tournament - but all that changed under Willy Sagnol.

The nation finished fourth in their qualifying group for Euro 2024 but reached the playoffs owing to their rankings in the Nations League.

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The side confirmed entry to Euro 2024 after beating Greece 4-2 via penalties in the final, in what is a remarkable feat for the country.

"Some did not believe in us but now they will believe it. We are happy. I have never had such an emotion in my life," Khvicha Kvaratskhelia told 1TV Sport.

Indeed, their head coach Sagnol is a name many may recognise already, but helping Georgia to Euro 2024 is among his greatest feats.

But just who is the Frenchman?

What team does Willy Sagnol manage?

Sagnol manages Georgia and has done so since February 2021.

What formation does Willy Sagnol play?

Sagnol uses either a 3-5-2 or a 5-3-2 formation when facing tougher opposition. He is considered a conservative coach and he likes to funnel the attacks via Kvaratskhelia.

How good is Willy Sagnol?

Sagnol is renowned for his illustrious playing career with Monaco and Bayern Munich, as well as earning 58 caps for France and even starting in the 2006 World Cup final.

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His career as a coach has seen its share of highs and lows. He joined Bordeaux after a decent spell serving as head coach of the France U-21 team. In his inaugural campaign, Bordeaux secured a sixth-place finish in Ligue 1, while reaching the 10th round of the Coupe de France and the round of 16 in the Coupe de la Ligue.

He led them to the group stage of the Europa League but their form in the league was inconsistent, marked by a significant loss to Nice. In 2016, Sagnol was let go after a 4-0 defeat in the Derby de la Garonne against Toulouse.

A year later, Sagnol returned to Bayern Munich, where he served as a player, to become an assistant coach under Carlo Ancelotti. When the Italian was relieved of his duties later that year, Sagnol briefly assumed the role of interim manager, presiding over a single game before the appointment of Jupp Heynckes.

What trophies has Willy Sagnol won?

Sagnol has not won any trophies as a coach to date.

© IMAGO - Kvaratskhelia is among Georgia's stars

Who has Will Sagnol managed previously?

Before taking up the job with Georgia, the former right-back managed the French U21 team and Bordeaux, in addition to his stint as assistant manager under Ancelotti at Bayern Munich.