Darsadze handed Georgia reins
Monday, August 8, 2005
Article summary
Gaioz Darsadze has taken over from Alain Giresse as Georgia coach until the end of the year.
Article body
Former youth coach Gaioz Darsadze has been temporarily handed the Georgia reins following last month's sacking of Frenchman Alain Giresse.
Unanimous vote
The 41-year-old was appointed following a unanimous vote by the Football federation of Georgia (GFF). Darsadze, who has served as GFF's technical director since last year, will lead the team until a permanent coach is appointed at the end of the year.
Kaladze linkup
Darsadze is credited as having discovered AC Milan defender Kakha Kaladze while in charge of the Georgian Under-16 side. And he may have to find another rich seam of players if he is to salvage some pride after the senior side's dismal 2006 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign.
Dismal form
Georgia currently lie second-from-bottom in Group 2, 15 points adrift of leaders Ukraine after picking up just five points from seven games – a dismal run of form that ultimately saw the end of Giresse. Darsadze will not have long to prepare for his first game as coach, as Georgia face Kazakhstan in Almaty next Wednesday.
