“If we are here, it is partly because of 1-7”

Georgian national team coach Willy Sagnol He had just entered the press room at the Cologne stadium to review his team’s round of 16 match against Spain tomorrow. Two rivals who know each other well, given that their paths They met on the way to Qatar and this European Championship.

1-7: “I don’t remember that game (laughs). No, seriously. That game was a tough moment, really tough, not easy at all. It hurt us. But maybe if we’re here, part of it is because of everything we learned that night, of which there were many: ‘In life, you have to overcome adversity, move forward, be able to get up. And this team demonstrated that ability.’

Equipment status: “It was a very emotional moment. We didn’t expect this. We are very happy. Physically it’s something different, but it is what it is. It would be better to rest more, but it is what it is. some of it makes up for it.”

Spain: “They didn’t concede a goal. They are the best team at the moment. There is nothing more to say. But any result is possible, even though we have lost to them four times in the last games.”

Pressure: “You can’t tell the players every day to play freely and suddenly change. I attach great importance to the defensive strategy, but football is not mathematics or chess. You have to play with emotions. It is very easy to motivate a team: they don’t need me for that. They need calm, calm. We must unite, find a balance. In my opinion, we have already won the European Cup.”

How to play: “We can’t just defend, that’s clear. We want to show Europe and the world that we have good possession of the ball.”

Spain groups: “When you face Spain, the danger comes from everywhere. We know Niko and Lamine Yamal. They are 16 years old! What did I do at their age? It was freshness after the one-on-one between Messi and Cristiano. But they have Rodri, quality.” in many lines… But so do we.”