Sometimes, football asks a player to step onto a pitch that feels like home, but for a different team. This Saturday, Giorgi Kochorashvili will experience just that. The Sporting midfielder, currently with the Georgian national squad, finds himself in Alicante. He’s putting the finishing touches on their strategy to challenge Spain in Elche. For Kochorashvili, these past few days on Spanish soil have been quite special, stirring up memories of a significant chapter in his career.
His bond with Spain runs deep. Kochorashvili spent eight years playing for Levante before making his move to Sporting this past summer. That’s a long time to call a place home. Speaking to the Georgian national team’s media, he shared his feelings. “It’s very good to spend so much time with friends on the national team,” he noted. “Being in Spain is especially important for me. I have a strong emotional connection to this country, where I spent eight years.”
Despite the warm feelings, the task ahead is clear and demanding. The match against Spain, set for 7:45 PM on Saturday, holds immense weight. Kochorashvili is well aware of the hurdles his team faces. “We’ve already played against Spain several times,” he pointed out. “We know how difficult and important the game is. Since the first day, we have been preparing as best as possible. We will try to offer our fans a good game.” It’s a promise of effort, even against a formidable opponent.
Under the guidance of coach Willy Sagnol, Kochorashvili is a regular starter for Georgia. He has earned 21 international caps and scored three goals for his country. His recent move to Sporting has seen him integrate quickly. Playing under Rui Borges, he has already made nine appearances, contributing one assist for his new club. Now, he faces a country that shaped much of his footballing journey, blending personal history with national ambition on the field.