Former Rangers defender Zurab Khizanishvili has taken his first step into senior management, beginning a new chapter of his football career with the Georgian national set-up.
Khizanishvili, remembered at Ibrox for his reliability and professionalism, has been appointed head coach of Georgia U19, marking his first role as a manager in his own right.
The move follows several years of steady progression through Georgia’s coaching ranks and signals a clear vote of confidence in his leadership potential.
The Georgian joined Rangers in July 2003, signed by Alex McLeish from Dundee as a replacement for the departing Lorenzo Amoruso.
While never the most eye-catching defender, Khizanishvili quickly became a dependable figure in the Rangers back line, making 63 appearances in all competitions during a period of transition for the club.
In the summer of 2005, he left Ibrox for Blackburn Rovers, initially on loan before completing a permanent move the following year where he once again stepping into the void left by Amoruso, who had also departed Ewood Park after injury issues.
Khizanishvili’s career in England would also include spells with Newcastle United and Reading, before he returned to Eastern Europe to conclude his playing days with clubs in Georgia, Turkey and Azerbaijan.
On the international stage, Khizanishvili was a central figure for Georgia national football team, earning 92 caps across more than a decade.
That longevity and experience laid the foundation for a smooth transition into coaching following his retirement.
He began his coaching journey in 2017 with Georgia’s under-21 side, working as an assistant coach until 2020.
From there, he stepped up to assist the senior national team, operating under head coach Willy Sagnol during one of the most successful periods in Georgian football history.
Khizanishvili was part of the coaching staff that helped guide Georgia to qualification for the 2024 European Championship finals, a landmark achievement for the nation.
Now, he has chosen to step out from behind the scenes and take on the responsibility of leading a team himself.
“I’ve decided to move from Assistant Coach of the National Team under Willy Sagnol to become a Head Coach in my own right,” Khizanishvili said following his appointment.
“When the opportunity of leading the U19s came up, I could not resist.”
He added: “I have enjoyed working with all the players and staff of the National Team, culminating in qualifying for the Euro Finals in 2024.
“A big thank you to everyone in the Georgian Football Federation for their continued support.”
Khizanishvili’s first competitive test as head coach will come in March, when Georgia’s under-19s face Iceland U19 and Montenegro U19 in a European Championship qualifying double-header.
It represents the next step in a career defined by steady progress - and a chance for a former Ranger to shape the next generation on the international stage.