Georgia’s qualification for Euro 2024 is more than just a footballing fairytale; it’s a testament to strategic coaching and the power of mental fortitude. Central to this success is the dynamic partnership between head coach Willy Sagnol and his key addition, sports psychologist David Webb. Their shared football philosophy and Webb’s expertise in player development have proven to be a winning formula for the Georgian national team.
Webb, who joined Sagnol’s team in November 2023, describes a strong alignment in their coaching approaches. “We share football philosophies, the same way of developing players and the way we like the game to be played,” Webb explains, highlighting the foundational understanding that underpins their collaboration. This synergy extends beyond tactics to player management and team dynamics, crucial elements in international football.
Sagnol recognized the value of Webb’s background in sports psychology, stating, “‘You could really work on the one-to-ones and the group dynamics’ – it really complements his role.” Webb’s Masters degree in sports psychology provides a unique dimension to the coaching staff, focusing on the mental aspects of the game, often overlooked but critical in high-pressure tournaments like Euro 2024. Beyond professional qualifications, Webb emphasizes the personal connection with Sagnol: “Also we have really got on as people. If you are going to be in such close proximity you have got to have a good working relationship.” This strong interpersonal dynamic fosters a positive and collaborative environment within the coaching setup, benefiting the entire team.
Integrating into Georgian football involved adapting to a new culture and language. Webb candidly admits, “I’ve learned some little bits of Georgian, but it is a difficult language.” Despite the linguistic challenges, his coaching acumen quickly resonated. Georgian football journalist Edo Badalashvili emphasizes Webb’s impact: “Sagnol needed to bring experience to the team – Webb has brought that… We needed those who played and coached at the highest level, Sagnol and Webb were also good friends. Sagnol knew what he was doing – it was a great choice.” This external validation from Georgian football experts underscores the strategic brilliance of Sagnol’s decision to bring Webb onboard.
Another Georgian football journalist, Sapanadze, highlights the transformative effect Webb had on the team’s mentality. Reflecting on a heavy defeat to Spain before Webb’s arrival, Sapanadze notes, “When they lost to Spain 7-1, we were so sad and surprised… But after this game, many things changed. The players showed good character, and Webb has helped them show better mentality. He is a very important person in the national team.” This shift in mentality, attributed to Webb’s influence, proved crucial in Georgia’s Euro 2024 qualification journey and their performance in the tournament itself.
Webb’s journey in football began not on the pitch as a professional player, but in the academic realm, studying sports psychology. He then transitioned into coaching, starting as a youth coach at Crystal Palace at a young age. This blend of academic understanding and practical coaching experience has shaped his approach to player development, with a consistent focus on mental strength. “I was always fascinated by the idea of players’ characters, their environments, and them as people,” Webb reveals, explaining his long-held passion for the psychological side of football.
This focus on mental resilience was deliberately integrated into Georgia’s Euro 2024 preparation. “Working with Willy, he wanted to bring in different dynamics,” Webb states. “At different stages of the camps we tried to focus on different things – in the last one with the play-offs it was about being calm under pressure, shutting out the noise and just doing our job.” Webb employed presentations and one-on-one sessions to instill this mental fortitude, particularly vital in the high-stakes play-off environment. “The emotion can sometimes get the better of players, especially when playing in Georgia where the outside noise was incredible,” he adds, emphasizing the importance of managing pressure in crucial matches.
Georgia’s Euro 2024 performances have showcased this newfound mental toughness. Despite conceding early against Turkey, they fought back fiercely. Against the Czech Republic, they endured sustained pressure and almost snatched a victory. And against Portugal, they secured a historic win, demonstrating remarkable composure and belief. This mental strength, nurtured by Webb’s psychological input, has been as impactful as tactical adjustments on the pitch.
Leading the charge on the field is Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, Georgia’s standout player. His talent is undeniable, drawing comparisons to football legends. “Many people think Maradona is the greatest player in football history – we have Kvaradona,” Saparadze enthusiastically declares, highlighting Kvaratskhelia’s pivotal role in Georgia’s Euro 2024 campaign. Kvaratskhelia’s brilliance, combined with the team’s enhanced mental resilience and strategic coaching, makes Georgia a compelling story of Euro 2024, showcasing the power of both skill and psychological preparation in achieving footballing dreams.
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