the Georges Mikautadze scoring machine is in full metamorphosis

In one year, Georges Mikautadze has come a long way. At the same period, in 2023, the Georgian was dragging his spleen to Ajax Amsterdam, the club which should allow him to take a new step in his career. But the striker’s adventure in the Netherlands was not a cakewalk. Far from it. In the Eredivisie, the footballer born in 2000 spent more time on the bench than on the green rectangle (8 appearances, no goals or assists). To put an end to this negative spiral, he decided to return to a familiar environment, at FC Metz. A choice that paid off since the Georgian played a series of matches and especially goals for six months (14 goals and 4 assists in 22 appearances). On the verge of saving his club from relegation to Ligue 2, Mikautadze helped them one last time.

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Back home

During the summer, it was purchased permanently by the Messins, who wanted to sell it and replenish their coffers in the process. After a very interesting Euro 2024 with his country (3 goals and 1 assist), he was spoiled for choice. Determined not to make a mistake this time, the native of Lyon listened to his heart and decided to return home, to a city where he was born as a man and a footballer. There was no match in his mind between OL and AS Monaco, who wanted to make him the successor to Wissam Ben Yedder. On July 18, the residents of Groupama Stadium therefore formalized the return of Gone, played by several clubs in the region and in particular OL between 2008 and 2015.

Determined to write the continuation of his unfinished story with the Lyon team, the striker, who brought in €18.5 million to Metz (excluding bonus), signed a lease until 2028. The idea being to make him the competitor of Alexandre Lacazette at first before having more responsibilities and power, once the General has bowed out, taking his place. But for the moment, the Georgian must live with him. Although less sharp, “Lacaz” still has the favor of Pierre Sage who made him his starter at the forefront of the attack. To make matters worse, he also had to deal with the fact that the Rhone management did not manage to downsize during the summer transfer window. Result: there is a traffic jam in the offensive sector with Orban, Cherki, Nuamah, Fofana and even Benrahma.

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Complicated beginnings

Sometimes used on one side as against Monaco or on rare occasions in a two-attacker system, the former Metz player mainly had the opportunity to express himself alone in the center. He had also made it known that he preferred to evolve in this position rather than on one side. Rather disappointing at first, the Georgian began to take his place on the bench. The criticisms were more and more numerous. But Pierre Sage defended him. “ He arrives in Lyon with anticipation and good pressure, I think. The first matches, he did not score. He has the opportunity in Rennes, but he misses his penalty. He has several scoring situations, he has a level of xG which is enormous compared to the fact that he has not scored. He is a player who will find his place, he is in the process of understanding the team, of joining forces with the others. »

Pour The Teamthe reasons for his difficulties and his poor form were to be sought elsewhere. The sports daily had mentioned the player’s problems adapting to the demands of the high level. It was stated that he “ has not yet made the switch to high-level demands, especially when he is not at the club. » A few weeks later, OL number 69 shows a better face. Against HAC on October 20, he delivered a decisive pass. He then scored a double on October 27 against AJ Auxerre (2-2), he who had been silent for almost two months. Enough to give him confidence and a smile. After the meeting, he spoke of his first timid steps between Rhône and Saône.

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The Georgian works hard

« Perfect evening? We’ll say it like that, even if the result spoils (the evening) a little. But I’m happy with the match I had individually, we have to continue like this. Pressure? No pressure, for real, I don’t put pressure on myself, I’m calm. I’ve heard a lot of people talk about me and about things that happen outside of football, but which aren’t true… But I don’t pay too much attention to it. I have a mind of steel, we must continue to work to close certain mouths. » He was unable to do it last weekend against Lille since he only played five minutes. But he will have opportunities to do so, because OL are juggling several competitions this season. In Ligue 1, Mikautadze participated in 10 matches, including 4 as a starter. In the Europa League, he is more of a substitute at the moment.

Indeed, he came on against Olympiakos (15 minutes) and Besiktas (11 minutes). He did not come off the bench against the Rangers. The 24-year-old (13 matches, 2 goals, one assist, 472 minutes played this season) hopes to have his chance this evening against Hoffenheim or perhaps Sunday during his first derby among the pros. In any case, he gives himself the means to do so. A close source told us that it has been several weeks since the player refocused on the essentials and football, because he realized that he had moved away from certain things. “ He is a homebody, avoids outings or distractions and works at home where he does more sports sessions. ”, we were informed. On the OL side, the player’s attitude, very polite and respectful, pleases. “ He works hard and it will pay off ”, we were told. Now it’s his turn!