- Saba Kopaleishvili is one of the Georgian players who chose a difficult but ambitious path early in his career. After developing at Lokomotive Tbilisi and Dinamo Tbilisi, he moved to Spain at just 17 years old to continue his football journey. Now playing for Deportivo Murcia, Saba speaks openly about the challenges of moving abroad, adapting to a new culture, his development as a player, and his dream of representing the Georgian national team. In this interview, he shares his story, his motivations, and his vision for the future.
Can you introduce yourself and tell us about your football background?
Hello, my name is Saba Kopaleishvili. I played for Lokomotive Tbilisi, then Dinamo Tbilisi, and now I have been playing in Spain for 3 years.
You left Georgia at a young age to continue your development in Spain. What motivated that decision?
Of course, moving to another country at the age of 17 was a difficult decision, but my family helped me to do it, and also Dinamo Tbilisi, which allowed me to continue my career in Spain, and for that I am grateful.
Moving abroad at a young age can be challenging. How did you adapt to life, language, and culture in Spain?
At first, when I arrived in Spain, it was very difficult for me. For almost 2 years, I was just at home and at the training base. This was my routine. I knew this challenge would not be easy, so I had to give my 100% every day. As for the Spanish culture, it was easy for me to adapt to it. Even though I didn’t speak Spanish, my teammates helped me with everything, including learning Spanish.
What are the main differences you’ve noticed between football in Georgia and football in Spain, both tactically and mentally?
I think the difference between Georgian and Spanish football is not too big. I mean tactically, of course. I think Georgia has all the means to raise its level. What I had to learn tactically in Spain, I had already learned in Georgia. In Spain, they are physically well prepared, and just like in Georgia, they approach everything professionally here.
What does a typical training week look like for you at Deportivo Murcia?
As for the current season at Deportivo Murcia, we are preparing for every game, and every game is important. We have to prove that we can play in the playoffs and advance to the Tercera Division, and we want to win a ticket to the Copa del Rey. This requires a lot of work, and we are preparing every day for this.
What has been the most difficult moment of your career so far, and how did you overcome it?
Every day is difficult for me because my family and friends are in Georgia and I can’t see them, but that’s part of football, and everything has its time. I have family in Madrid, my grandmother, uncle, and aunt, and my cousins. They help me a lot, like my family. They always help me get through this difficult time.
On the other hand, what has been your most rewarding or proudest moment in football?
I think I have a few of the best moments in Spain, the first one I would say was when I became champion in the U19s, and we moved up to the Primera Division (Ranero Murcia), and I would name the goals against Valencia, Villarreal, Levante, Castellon, and Orihuela CF. I scored a lot of goals this season, and I also started training with the first team.
There has been talk about a possible return to the Georgian league. How seriously are you considering that option?
There are offers from Spain, and there are also talks about returning to Georgia, and I am seriously considering returning to Georgia. I think after so many years of playing and experience in Spain, it is time for me to prove myself in Georgia, and I am ready to consider all kinds of offers.
What would a return to Georgia mean for you at this stage of your career?
I think returning to Georgia is the best decision now, there are experienced coaches and players, and I think it will help me a lot to be proffesional player.
Who has been your biggest influence or role model in football?
My role model as a footballer has always been Cristiano Ronaldo, not only with his game but also with his mentality and his daily work, and he proved that he was the best.
How do you prepare mentally and physically before an important match?
Before I go out on the field to play, I am very calm and motivated. I try to make my teammates feel the same way, and we go out on the field together. At that time, my family and friends were also waiting for me and were by my side, so this is additional motivation.
What means for you to play for the national team, and do you expect a call-up this year?
For me, playing for the national team is the biggest dream, and it means everything to me. I always wait for them to call me up. I respect Ramaz Svanadze’s decision(U21), because he is one of the best coaches, and he knows better when I am ready, but in case of a call-up, I am always ready to give everything for my country and the national team. What I have to do is continue scoring goals.
Finally, what message would you like to give to young Georgian players who dream of building a career abroad?
My message to them would be to never give up, no matter what happens, because bad things always happen, and that’s part of life and football. The important thing is how strong you come back, and of course, all of this takes a lot of hard work.