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2023 FC Torpedo Kutaisi season

The 2023 season was Torpedo's 77th year in existence and 14th consecutive season in the top flight of Georgian football. In addition to the national league and David Kipiani Cup, the club participated in this season's edition of the Georgian Super Cup and UEFA Europa Conference League as the cup holder of the previous year.

The season covers the period from 1 January to 31 December 2023. This was the second full season under the New Vision University management after they purchased the club in September 2021.

Аs Georgia co-hosted UEFA European U21 Championship this summer, Kutaisi's central stadium underwent a thorough reconstruction. For this reason, Torpedo were unable to play home matches at their arena until the 22nd round.

The team had a promising start to the season. With a single defeat in the initial nine games, they were 3rd, five points behind the table leaders. But having picked up six points in the next second nine-match period, they dropped to 6th. By the summer break, Torpedo had experienced a significant squad and staff overhaul, which included their head coach as well.

The club drastically improved in the second half of the season. They gained as many points in their last nine games (21) as in the first eighteen matches. Ultimately, Torpedo leapfrogged their three opponents and finished among the top three for the first time in five years.

Events

On 13 January, Levan Mchedlidze, Dino Hamzić and Mate Tsintsadze left Torpedo while Oto Goshadze and Davit Samurkasovi joined the club.

On 20 January, Torpedo signed Kayke David.

On 11 February, the club announced the transfer of Nika Kacharava.

On 24 February, Torpedo welcomed Aldair Neto and Sunday Faleye.

On 31 March, Levan Osikmashvili was signed on loan from Dinamo Tbilisi until the end of the season.

On 8 May, head coach Kakha Chkhetiani left Torpedo by mutual agreement with the club sitting 6th in the league table.

On 16 May, Roin Kvaskhvadze, Giorgi Kimadze and Levan Gegetchkori left the team.

On 17 May, the club announced that Steve Kean was appointed as a new head coach.

On 27 May, Nika Kacharava parted ways with Torpedo.

On 16 June, Davit Samurkasovi and Giorgi Kukhianidze left the club.

On 23 June, Akaki Shulaia left Torpedo by mutual agreement.

On 28 June, assistant manager Nilton Terroso as well as players Rahmat Akbari, Francois Ekongolo and Filip Kljajić joined Torpedo.

On 8 July, Tornike Akhvlediani moved to Samtredia on loan.

On 12 July, Anri Chichinadze, Giorgi Pantsulaia and Nikola Ninković signed with Torpedo on 1.5 year-long deals each. They were joined by Omran Haydary.

On 24 July, Avtandil Labadze, Juba Dvalishvili and Sunday Faleye left for Samtredia.

On 2 December, after a 2–2 draw at Dinamo Batumi, Torpedo finished the season 3rd and secured both the bronze medals and a UEFA Europa Conference League spot for next year.

On 30 December, Torpedo announced that the contract with head coach Steve Kean was extended to the end of 2025 while players Mauro Caballero, Giorgi Kobuladze, Anri Chichinadze, Giorgi Pantsulaia and Aldair Neto left the club.

Squad

<small>All data regarding players and squad numbers are valid as of 2 December 2023, the last match of the 2023 season. Appearances include the Erovnuli Liga only.</small>

<small>Note: Flags indicate national team as has been defined under FIFA eligibility rules. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.</small>

Pre-season friendlies

Competitions

Overview

Erovnuli Liga

Results summary

Results by round

Results

League table

Super Cup

Georgian Cup

UEFA Europa Conference League

1st qualifying round

2nd qualifying round

Statistics

Goalscorers

Clean sheets

Red cards

Awards

At the end of this season, the Erovnuli Liga named Giorgi Arabidze as midfielder of the year and included him and Lasha Shergelashvili in Team of the Year at its annual ceremony.

Several members of Torpedo were also recognized during the season.

References