Ahead of their UEFA Europa Conference League second qualifying round clash with Estonian Champions FCI Levadia, Iberia 1999 head coach Levan Korghalidze made clear that the Georgian champions are aiming high.
“The desired result is always a victory, and we will spend our time for it,” said Korghalidze. “We are the current champions of Georgia and, of course, we always fight for higher goals. Our program in every game is minimum — victory, for which we will do everything.”
The match in Tallinn will mark Iberia 1999’s first-ever meeting with a club from the Baltic region. However, they will benefit from at least one player with prior experience in northern European football: Luka Silagadze, who previously featured in the Latvian Virslīga with Valmiera, FK Liepāja, and FC RFS.
Winger Iuri Tabatadze praised the host city and noted the strategic advantage of opening the tie away from home. “I’m in Estonia for the first time. Tallinn is a good city and I think it’s a good environment for tomorrow’s game. Starting with an away match — I think we will have an advantage because we will meet our opponent more prepared at home.”
Tabatadze acknowledged the challenge Levadia pose: “I think we are going to have a tough game tomorrow. I’ve seen both of Levadia’s games against RFS and it will be a physically tough game. Levadia is a fairly balanced team with a good coach. I’m expecting an intense game.”
