President takes reins in Tblisi

Club president Nikoloz Dolidze has taken over as coach of FC Merani-Olimpi Tbilisi after the departure of Koba Zhorzhikashvili and three leading players.

Trio released
Georgi Davitnidze, who joined from FC Dila Gori just before the start of the spring season, Gela Koridze who signed from FC Lokomotovi Tbilisi at the same time, and Gocha Gujabidze were paid off until the end of the season and will be available on free transfers.

Relegation trouble
Merani-Olimpi are in serious relegation trouble after losing their last two home games against FC Dinamo Batumi and Dila Gori. Against this backdrop, Dolidze will take charge of coaching duties until a replacement for Zhorzhikashvili is found.

'Left because of exhaustion'
"Zhorzhikashvili has left the club because of exhaustion," Dolidze said. "He was coaching our team, the Georgia Under-18 team and two groups in our youth academy at the same time. He needs a rest and I will coach the team for our next few games until I find a permanent replacement."

Young squad
Merani-Olimpi were formed after FC Merani-91 Tbilisi's place in the top flight was bought out. Most of their players are U18 internationals from Zhorzhikashvili's squad which reached the last eight of the UEFA European Under-17 Championship in Denmark last year.