The matches against France and Finland are coming. The team of Temur Ketsbaia started meeting on “Basa” center and practiced at 18:00 today. Before that the coach held a press conference.

There is one change in the list. Levan Mchedlidze is injured and Irakli Modebadze, forward of “Dila” Gori, is called up instead of him. Ketsbaia also called up Giorgi Popkhadze and Grigol Dolidze instead of Davit Kvirkvelia and Giorgi Iluridze.

Temur Ketsbaia: It does not happen for the first time that we lack players. It is normal because we announce the list two weeks earlier. It is a pity but the called up players have a chance to show themselves. We are preparing for two tough matches and hopefully, fans will come to the stadium. The chance is real to take the third place in the group. I know it is not easy but if we manage it, it will be merit of the boys. The third-placed team of the group will play in play-off of European Championship.

- Two leading forwards Tornike Okriashvili and Davit Targamadze lack playing practice in their clubs…

- It is a pity but what we can do. It often happens to Georgian football players. For example, Sandro Kobakhidze does not even play as a substitute in “Dnipro” but he does his best in the national team and is one of the best players.

- What can you say about the results of the Georgian clubs at European tournaments? What is the reason of such results in play-off?

- I think nobody looks the truth in the eye in Georgia. It is our place. We cannot do more. The Georgian clubs lost 0:12 in play-off. Some say our level gets higher. Please, people, do not be so naive. Situation is catastrophic in Georgian football. 20000 spectators came to watch the match of “Dila”. 10000 fans stood outside. Please, tell me, which sport or political party can bring 30000 fans? Let them take care of football.

- Have not you talked to relevant structures about it?

- Who listens to me? I said to let these talented players play. They did not do it. And what happens? These boys are tested in Europe. Nobody knows Georgian football players in Europe. Everybody play in Russia, Ukraine or Azerbaijan.

- Many considered helping football by the government as a communist method. But we know it happens, for example, in Cyprus.

- But some does not consider Cyprus as a good example. This country plays in the group round of Champions and Europa Leagues. Let take the example of Kazakhstan: the government gives 3 million to each club every year and invests milliard in sport. Nobody demands milliard here but something must be done. People said nothing was done because they were afraid of the government. But the government has changed. Nobody is afraid of anybody now.

- You play France. The Georgians played France in 2006 and lost. How do you compare old and current France?

- I will not draw parallel to the old one. We know it will be a tough match. We must not play so badly that fans leave the stadium. For example, they supported us against Spain. We played differently home. Fans help us but we do not hold many matches home. We cannot make anybody come to Tbilisi.

Now I will say about forward. To tell the truth, I was not concerned by the critic from the press than sayings of some players. I had five forward against Kazakhstan but in vain. I, myself as a football player, have never played in defense. I was a forward and scored 150 goals. Do you think I am happy to be in defense? But I take into consideration who we play, where we play and what we can do.

- The team of Aleksandre Chivadze has a good result. Do you observe these players and are you going to call them up for the next matches?

- I even attend their matches abroad. Many young players advanced in the national team and perhaps, they will join in the next matches. The player who deserves to play will play.

- It is clear why Levan Kenia is not on the list. Will not you call him up while you are a coach of the national team?

- Why is it clear?

- Because of the conflict.

- Kenia does not satisfy us as a person and a player as well. We have better players than him. The national team is not the place where one can come when he wants. I can drink not only cold but even hot water when it comes to the national team. Is his behavior right? If you do not go to press conference and when your boss calls you, you will say I had some other business, will not he fire you out? 16-17-year-old boys played here in order to be sold. 16-17-year-old boys! And the best players were not called up. It will never happen to my team.

Ilia Nanobashvili