| Julien Stephan - Word of warning 09:42 - Aug 17 with 25856 views | Markofthegrove |
I listened to his post match presser from the club and he mentioned fatigue towards the end of the game.
After the team he picked on Tuesday and how that went down, he really should be more careful with his words as this fanbase will eat him alive, they won't accept many more stunts like that. |  | | |  |
| Julien Stephan - Word of warning on 11:58 - Aug 18 with 2155 views | ozexile |
47 years I've supported this club I've truly seen it all now. | | | |
| Julien Stephan - Word of warning on 12:26 - Aug 18 with 2052 views | slmrstid |
The thing with Williams is his background in cycling / working for Team Ineos etc means you're planning athletes physical loading and fitness around a handful of competitions per year where you need them at peak fitness for that event.
Its the same as athletes in an Olympic year - events they'll run in the Spring will (or should) be worse as they are specifically building to be at peak fitness for a two-week period in mid-summer for The Big One. What they do around that, even in events like Diamond League, is for the most part completely secondary.
You simply cannot do that in a sport like football where it is 9 months long and each week needs maximum effort/focus. The same would go for a 82 regular game NBA season at the Nets.
It might have looked good for one year but as Hunter points out it was also Marti taking over from Ainsworth.
My sporting experience ultimately is no more than amateur running but getting to a decent level (sub-80 minute half, sub-3 hour marathon) to understand some basic training principles, it is bonkers, in my view, to try and adapt the same physical conditioning methods you see in a sport like cycling, to football. |  | | |
| Julien Stephan - Word of warning on 12:27 - Aug 18 with 2050 views | BazzaInTheLoft |
| Julien Stephan - Word of warning on 10:32 - Aug 18 by Hunterhoop |
Can we be clear: This is a Ben Williams strategy. Entirely Ben Williams.
His first season was the well known Ainsworth season. He was brought in over the summer when Ainsworth wanted to overhaul the physio/medical side of the club because he felt (when we survived by the skin of our teeth) there were too many injuries. There were. Think Balogun and others being unavailable for weeks on end with mystery muscle injuries. Who hired Ben Williams? Well, in the spring/summer of 2023, who were the club’s recruitment consultant for non-playing roles? Retexo. Who owned the QPR account for Retexo? Nourry.
Anyway, Ben Williams came out that close season when hired and said we would be implementing some sort of gradual loading philosophy that meant we may be 60% in week 1, but the gradual ramp up in fitness would mean we’d have few injuries later in the season and come on strong. To be fair, we did begin hilariously slowly, and we did come home strong. How much of that was to do with Marti Cifuentes being the manager in the last half of the season and Ainsworth the manager at the start, is a valid question.
Anyway, the club wheeled out Ben Williams to be lauded for this when we stayed up.
Last season we had the whole nonsense of the club telling us nothing, it leaking that Williams was living in Dubai, and then Brooklyn Nets announcing they had employed him. Nourry was pushed on this after the fans forum on the topic and was very clear he was still working for us but also the Nets. It wasn’t clarified whether Williams was still in his old perm employment with the club and paid accordingly or paid as a consultant and was only doing ad hoc work. If the latter was true, who was accountable for player fitness last season because if Williams wasn’t a perm employee and only a consultant that department was headless again. Mental that, if you ask me.
Anyway, last Spring the Nets sacked Williams after having, I believe, statistically their worst season for injuries in this history and the 2nd or 3rd worst in the NBA. They had a ridiculous number of hamstring injuries. As we all know, QPR’s first team also had a horrific injury record last season. If you need to add in all age groups and the women’s team to reach an availability figure of 85% something has gone wrong. Elite sport is not comparable with U13s football. It is an insult to anyone with a brain to spout stats like that. His absence from the training ground, and the number of injuries was a huge issue for Cifuentes and a major contribution to the fall out with Nourry.
In the summer, we announce Ben Williams is back in the country and it gradually becomes clear he is in a perm role of Head of Sporting Operations. That covers the fitness/medical side but also a lot more (not that this has been clarified). I’ve heard he’s walking around Heston telling people his job is “the same one Les used to do”. The irony of promoting someone who spoke to another organisation and actually took a job with them for a year, whilst sticking someone else on garden leave for his agent talking to another organisation but not taking the job is lost on few at the club.
Williams is a former cycling fitness guys. Can’t divulge how I’ve heard this but the players don’t rate him, have little respect for him, and at least one has hired their own fitness trainer to help them rehab an injury better.
This season we start with a farcical number of injuries for game one, and are clearly not fully fit after the 3rd game of the season.
Williams does not report to Stephan. He reports to the bloke that hired him. And they are very close.
I think Stephan needs way way longer before anyone starts judging him. I like the appointment, want him to succeed and think we need to get behind him. I hope he learns the lessons Cifuentes had to quickly this season, but it’s understandable why he has to go through the same cycle. That isn’t on him. He’s starting the season with key players out with muscle injuries. One of our big signings has been taken away from him. His captain has been unavailable. Knowingly or not, he’s already referenced “fatigue” after his 2nd league game. Sam Field said he expected the team would be blowing after 45 mins against Preston.
Why is this bloke employed by us? When are we replacing him?
Are we happy with a model/infrastructure where the fitness guy and the set pieces guy, don’t report to the Head Coach?I can see a logic to a Head of Methodolgy and a Head of Player Development sitting outside the head coach and operating through the age groups, but they should still be junior to the Head Coach, but reporting to the DOF. Defence Coach, Steve Bould, I’m really not sure. In all those videos he looks to be a first team coach not working with the U13s or EDS.
Stephan has only had 3 competitive games (and was clearly instructed to play a young side at Plymouth). But Ben Williams has overseen 3 pre-seasons and 2 full seasons plus this start. We have started very slowly in all those seasons. I think it’s perfectly timely to be asking questions about him. It’s not about Stephan. Give him a chance. [Post edited 18 Aug 10:35]
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‘Can’t divulge how I’ve heard this but the players don’t rate him’
Obviously you used to work for Bielsa. |  | | |
| Julien Stephan - Word of warning on 12:30 - Aug 18 with 2006 views | Padulas_Shampoo |
| Julien Stephan - Word of warning on 12:26 - Aug 18 by slmrstid |
The thing with Williams is his background in cycling / working for Team Ineos etc means you're planning athletes physical loading and fitness around a handful of competitions per year where you need them at peak fitness for that event.
Its the same as athletes in an Olympic year - events they'll run in the Spring will (or should) be worse as they are specifically building to be at peak fitness for a two-week period in mid-summer for The Big One. What they do around that, even in events like Diamond League, is for the most part completely secondary.
You simply cannot do that in a sport like football where it is 9 months long and each week needs maximum effort/focus. The same would go for a 82 regular game NBA season at the Nets.
It might have looked good for one year but as Hunter points out it was also Marti taking over from Ainsworth.
My sporting experience ultimately is no more than amateur running but getting to a decent level (sub-80 minute half, sub-3 hour marathon) to understand some basic training principles, it is bonkers, in my view, to try and adapt the same physical conditioning methods you see in a sport like cycling, to football. |
Yeah but he's Christian's mate / brother-in-law or something so he's obviously the best man for the job. |  | | |
| Julien Stephan - Word of warning on 12:32 - Aug 18 with 1985 views | dmm |
Hunter, that's an excellent summary of issues the Williams/Nourry have created. That you say players don't like Williams is a big concern, given he exercises a lot of authority at the club. If the big boss is a good mate, you've got a high level of protection.
Clive's confirmation of that part of the senior structure is another big concern. Does anyone know if this kind of organisation is common in European football? [Post edited 18 Aug 12:35]
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| Julien Stephan - Word of warning on 12:38 - Aug 18 with 1933 views | ytt28 |
That job reports to the CEO as the CEO considers himself as the 'Manager'.
Is it true Nourry walks around the training ground in a tracksuit with his initials on it?
Was Stephan joking when he said in the fans forum, that Nourry is the manager? | | | |
| Julien Stephan - Word of warning on 12:42 - Aug 18 with 1887 views | wombat |
| Julien Stephan - Word of warning on 12:38 - Aug 18 by ytt28 |
That job reports to the CEO as the CEO considers himself as the 'Manager'.
Is it true Nourry walks around the training ground in a tracksuit with his initials on it?
Was Stephan joking when he said in the fans forum, that Nourry is the manager? |
No . but he wont the be first to take the fall if this goes pete tong and the early signs arent looking great , |  |
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| Julien Stephan - Word of warning on 12:44 - Aug 18 with 1840 views | Rsole |
| Julien Stephan - Word of warning on 12:38 - Aug 18 by ytt28 |
That job reports to the CEO as the CEO considers himself as the 'Manager'.
Is it true Nourry walks around the training ground in a tracksuit with his initials on it?
Was Stephan joking when he said in the fans forum, that Nourry is the manager? |
I don’t think Julien was joking. I think he knows exactly where he stands and he’s happily taking the shilling for as long as it lasts.
Worst case for Julien, we fire him and he gets paid to garden or until the end of his contract.
Best case, he gets an improved contract and gets paid to garden or until the end of his contract.
I think that’s why he’s always smiling. |  |
| Those possessed by devils, try and keep them under control a bit, can't you ?
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| Julien Stephan - Word of warning on 12:44 - Aug 18 with 1843 views | kensalriser |
We're back to control freakery here. It's writ large over everything we can see.
As I said last season, it's an approach that won't end well. I hope sense prevails before failure occurs. |  |
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| Julien Stephan - Word of warning on 12:48 - Aug 18 with 1816 views | EastR |
| Julien Stephan - Word of warning on 12:38 - Aug 18 by ytt28 |
That job reports to the CEO as the CEO considers himself as the 'Manager'.
Is it true Nourry walks around the training ground in a tracksuit with his initials on it?
Was Stephan joking when he said in the fans forum, that Nourry is the manager? |
Nourry took on the role of Director of Football with his role as CEO too.
When he was asked this question in both the WLS interview and with Hoopsa he studiously avoided giving a direct answer as to how he was qualified for such a role. | |
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| Julien Stephan - Word of warning on 12:52 - Aug 18 with 1788 views | ytt28 |
| Julien Stephan - Word of warning on 12:48 - Aug 18 by EastR |
Nourry took on the role of Director of Football with his role as CEO too.
When he was asked this question in both the WLS interview and with Hoopsa he studiously avoided giving a direct answer as to how he was qualified for such a role. |
I have it in my head that he has said that we dont need a DOF and instead we have appointed specialist 'head of' in various categories. | | | |
| Julien Stephan - Word of warning on 12:53 - Aug 18 with 1779 views | Wilkinswatercarrier |
So he reports to the DoF and HoM as he is producing set plays for the entire club. Just as Steve Bould and Kevin Betsy do the same in their positions.
He works with the Head Coach and 1st team coaches on a day to day basis.
Looks pretty straight forward and the club said they would be filling this role. Just odd they waited until the season to start before doing it, unless they were waiting for their preferred candidate to become available.
Onwards and upwards. | |
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| Julien Stephan - Word of warning on 12:58 - Aug 18 with 1707 views | calHoop |
Got to say, if the head of set pieces can make us less vulnerable from our own corners, that will be a start and will save me a heart attack, because clearly some absolute genius of a performance analyst at Watford, has watched us for 3 seconds, and quickly realised that we are there for the taking when we're whipping shit balls in from corners or free kicks from the oppo half. | | | |
| Julien Stephan - Word of warning on 13:01 - Aug 18 with 1677 views | BazzaInTheLoft |
| Julien Stephan - Word of warning on 12:48 - Aug 18 by EastR |
Nourry took on the role of Director of Football with his role as CEO too.
When he was asked this question in both the WLS interview and with Hoopsa he studiously avoided giving a direct answer as to how he was qualified for such a role. |
Nourry’s age and inexperience doesn’t actually bother me too much.
If we are to be a developing club I think it should include coaches, managers, and DoFs too.
But say so. As ever, the bullshit, spin, and chicanery is what ticks people off especially after a relatively poor start.
Just be open! Saves time later trying to mop up the consequences of getting caught out.
My book (Bazza’s Bizness Boners) on how to run a £200m company will be out soon. See my LinkedIn interview with City AM. [Post edited 18 Aug 13:02]
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| Julien Stephan - Word of warning on 13:01 - Aug 18 with 1675 views | EastR |
| Julien Stephan - Word of warning on 12:52 - Aug 18 by ytt28 |
I have it in my head that he has said that we dont need a DOF and instead we have appointed specialist 'head of' in various categories. |
Yes, all of those football specialists reporting to him. Don't listen to what he says, look at what the reality is | |
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| Julien Stephan - Word of warning on 13:01 - Aug 18 with 1668 views | Lblock |
| Julien Stephan - Word of warning on 10:37 - Aug 18 by CroydonCaptJack |
To be frank, when are you ever not concerned? |
Hello Frank |  |
| Cherish and enjoy life.... this ain't no dress rehearsal |
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| Julien Stephan - Word of warning on 13:20 - Aug 18 with 1525 views | Benny_the_Ball |
As I suspected.
"As requested by the CEO provide analysis and key metrics regarding set pieces." |  | | |
| Julien Stephan - Word of warning on 13:26 - Aug 18 with 1482 views | dmm |
Sorry if I've missed it but I assume the head of set pieces role hasn't been filled yet. It was advertised back in May so if not, why not? | | | |
| Julien Stephan - Word of warning on 13:30 - Aug 18 with 1457 views | BazzaInTheLoft |
| Julien Stephan - Word of warning on 13:26 - Aug 18 by dmm |
Sorry if I've missed it but I assume the head of set pieces role hasn't been filled yet. It was advertised back in May so if not, why not? |
Word gets around, to quote a Stereophonics song. | | | |
| Julien Stephan - Word of warning on 13:43 - Aug 18 with 1392 views | Benny_the_Ball |
| Julien Stephan - Word of warning on 21:27 - Aug 17 by BrizR |
Fully agreed. Mbengue wasn't great at left-back, but it's not like the manager was left with many choices. You know Watford have an excellent and quite physical winger who normally plays down the right, and the squad you've been given has a single left-back in it who's currently fit and available, and he's 17 and has played one game of league foobtall in this country ever. The only other option would have been Vale, but he was indifferent there against a much worse side on Tuesday. Mbengue is at least a physical match for Baah and has plenty of experience; in another world we could equally be sitting here talking about the naivete of starting Esquerdinha out there to get ripped apart. |
Still, I'd rather the manager play the young LB as that's his natural position. Esquerdinha may be young but he's a bonafide LB who understands the role and, crucially, is left-footed. Besides, aren't we now supposed to be a club focusing on developing young talent? That won't happen if the manager doesn't pick the player when the opportunity arises. As it happens, when Esquerdinha came on he performed admirably and improved the balance of the team. Even if he had struggled it would be a great learning curve and the lessons would serve both him and us well in future.
#RoundPegsInRoundHoles | | | |
| Julien Stephan - Word of warning on 13:46 - Aug 18 with 1386 views | Northernr |
| Julien Stephan - Word of warning on 13:43 - Aug 18 by Benny_the_Ball |
Still, I'd rather the manager play the young LB as that's his natural position. Esquerdinha may be young but he's a bonafide LB who understands the role and, crucially, is left-footed. Besides, aren't we now supposed to be a club focusing on developing young talent? That won't happen if the manager doesn't pick the player when the opportunity arises. As it happens, when Esquerdinha came on he performed admirably and improved the balance of the team. Even if he had struggled it would be a great learning curve and the lessons would serve both him and us well in future.
#RoundPegsInRoundHoles |
I do feel sorry for him with that. Baah is a unique opponent at this level. You look at his heatmap v Charlton the week before, the idea of putting a teenager in there, second ever game, against that... We said in the pub beforehand I wonder if he might put Mbengue out there just to do a specialist job on him, and then of course Baah didn't start.
I suspect they'll just go with Esquerdinha in future. Like you say, better have a round peg in a round hole. It didn't work on Saturday but I do see the thinking behind that one. |  | | |
| Julien Stephan - Word of warning on 13:54 - Aug 18 with 1331 views | R_from_afar |
Our set pieces are generally so poor that it would make sense to combine the Steve Bould and set piece coach roles.
We're often at our most vulnerable when our players are taking a set piece  . |  |
| "Things had started becoming increasingly desperate at Loftus Road but QPR have been handed a massive lifeline and the place has absolutely erupted. it's carnage. It's bedlam. It's 1-1." |
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| Julien Stephan - Word of warning on 14:00 - Aug 18 with 1296 views | Benny_the_Ball |
| Julien Stephan - Word of warning on 13:01 - Aug 18 by BazzaInTheLoft |
Nourry’s age and inexperience doesn’t actually bother me too much.
If we are to be a developing club I think it should include coaches, managers, and DoFs too.
But say so. As ever, the bullshit, spin, and chicanery is what ticks people off especially after a relatively poor start.
Just be open! Saves time later trying to mop up the consequences of getting caught out.
My book (Bazza’s Bizness Boners) on how to run a £200m company will be out soon. See my LinkedIn interview with City AM. [Post edited 18 Aug 13:02]
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"Nourry’s age and inexperience doesn’t actually bother me too much. If we are to be a developing club I think it should include coaches, managers, and DoFs too."
Sorry but that is utterly ridiculous. At the risk of refrying refried beans, the average age of a CEO in the UK is mid-50s. The role typically requires experience as well as deep expertise of the sector you operate in. Moreover, it's an office-based role that doesn't require peak physical fitness. Professional football, conversely, is a young man's game. Whilst experience helps, stamina and physical fitness is key. You can't apply the same approach to physical, aerobic jobs such as playing professional football to office-based roles like CEO or DoF. That being said, I would enjoy seeing Nourry, Hoos being forced to take part in pre-season to get ready for the new campaign.
"As ever, the bullshit, spin, and chicanery is what ticks people off especially after a relatively poor start."
Now that I do agree with. | | | |
| Julien Stephan - Word of warning on 14:10 - Aug 18 with 1209 views | BazzaInTheLoft |
| Julien Stephan - Word of warning on 14:00 - Aug 18 by Benny_the_Ball |
"Nourry’s age and inexperience doesn’t actually bother me too much. If we are to be a developing club I think it should include coaches, managers, and DoFs too."
Sorry but that is utterly ridiculous. At the risk of refrying refried beans, the average age of a CEO in the UK is mid-50s. The role typically requires experience as well as deep expertise of the sector you operate in. Moreover, it's an office-based role that doesn't require peak physical fitness. Professional football, conversely, is a young man's game. Whilst experience helps, stamina and physical fitness is key. You can't apply the same approach to physical, aerobic jobs such as playing professional football to office-based roles like CEO or DoF. That being said, I would enjoy seeing Nourry, Hoos being forced to take part in pre-season to get ready for the new campaign.
"As ever, the bullshit, spin, and chicanery is what ticks people off especially after a relatively poor start."
Now that I do agree with. |
I‘ll be honest mate, I stopped reading after the word ridiculous bit I’m sure it was fascinating 👍 | | | |
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