| Julien Stéphan talks dreams, transfers, and that Coventry game – Interview on 20:07 - Sep 11 with 1992 views | Hugey |
| Julien Stéphan talks dreams, transfers, and that Coventry game – Interview on 17:52 - Sep 11 by Hunterhoop |
Great interview. Well done, Clive. Well done the club for allowing it too. Finally.
I found that REALLY encouraging. Whether something has happened behind the scenes or not, reading between the lines, I felt it was quite clear they are hugely softening the game model theory and Stephan has a lot more control over the first team. Perhaps that is just him exercising power he already had. However it felt that some of what he said was a coded message to the CEO about the need to be flexible, adapt, and have options. “‘Playing Principles’ are set…but things like playing style, shape, moves, etc, need to be flexible and adapted”, is basically saying the opposite! Otherwise what “Principles” are we talking about? It’s good news though; Stephan should be in charge of the first team and change the tactics, shape, style, etc. He should know more about those things than anyone else at the club. That is what he is employed for. This is a good change in approach from the club. Some common sense employed.
It’s clear he believes the game is getting more direct and physical. Encouraging he believes this because I think it is too, and this will mean we are better prepared for that change in approach from oppositions. Very happy to hear we will continue with a more direct style in the main. I also loved his focus on “duels”. He is completely right. You cannot win football matches unless you win your fair share of duels. Again, possibly a coded message.
Didn’t buy/agree with him on the fitness. You can explain Charlton away on this point as it was 3-4 players without a pre season for QPR who won it for us! Remarkable coincidence. But like one or two areas I think he was toeing the line there, which is understandable.
Overall, thought he came across very well. I like him. [Post edited 12 Sep 10:02]
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Yes, very encouraged by all the talk of adaptation.
It's to JS's credit that it took him only 3 league games to accept that a change to the playing style was needed.
It was of course blindingly obvious after Coventry, but some could have doubled down.
Thank you Northern for an excellent interview. [Post edited 11 Sep 20:08]
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| Julien Stéphan talks dreams, transfers, and that Coventry game – Interview on 20:35 - Sep 11 with 1910 views | derbyhoop |
| Julien Stéphan talks dreams, transfers, and that Coventry game – Interview on 09:09 - Sep 11 by KensalT |
Great piece Clive.
Got all the key questions in there. And I thought JS came across really well in how he answered those questions.
But I wish he would stop saying "top, top"
It triggers my Post Traumatic Redknapp Syndrome. |
Cut him some slack. It's not his first language. And, I know only too well, how many faux pas I make when speaking French to French people. |  |
| "Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry and narrow-mindedness, and many of our people need it sorely on these accounts. Broad, wholesome, charitable views of men and things cannot be acquired by vegetating in one little corner of the Earth all one's lifetime." (Mark Twain)
Find me on twitter @derbyhoop and now on Bluesky |
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| Julien Stéphan talks dreams, transfers, and that Coventry game – Interview on 20:53 - Sep 11 with 1866 views | Lblock |
I’ve only read it and after a few drinks
Nothing to convince me he’s not just a Nourry puppet so far |  |
| Cherish and enjoy life.... this ain't no dress rehearsal |
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| Julien Stéphan talks dreams, transfers, and that Coventry game – Interview on 22:26 - Sep 11 with 1648 views | baz_qpr |
I thought it was a really good interview and I implore everyone to listen to it rather than read it, as it came across as a genuinely engaged and grown up conversation rather than a media managed set of rehearsed answers, I particularly enjoyed the insight on the Charlton game JS saying we lined up in a 4-4-1-1 / 4-4-2 and discussing the changes in approach and the "game model" |  | | |
| Julien Stéphan talks dreams, transfers, and that Coventry game – Interview on 00:33 - Sep 12 with 1514 views | CLAREMAN1995 |
| Julien Stéphan talks dreams, transfers, and that Coventry game – Interview on 16:16 - Sep 11 by BristolR |
Got it, I was in the car with the sound up, definitely sounded like numerous slaps.
And that is my version of the truth!! |
I was on my bike with the earpods turned up to the max and it frightened the crap out of me the first couple of times and yes I thought it was hand clapping like saying "lets go etc" .
Very enjoyable and certainly came across as very enthused about the challenges this year and I actually feel way more hopeful that we might push up the table now .
Thanks Clive great stuff |  | | |
| Julien Stéphan talks dreams, transfers, and that Coventry game – Interview on 07:17 - Sep 12 with 1311 views | davman |
| Julien Stéphan talks dreams, transfers, and that Coventry game – Interview on 12:42 - Sep 11 by QPR_Jim |
Agreed that JS comes across well, I think he obviously has good experience with younger players and how to foster a good team mentality throughout the club.
I thought his answer on fitness was a good example of that, I would have said Charlton goals were an example of good substitutions and I imagine he would have been well within his rights to say that but instead suggested it was about fitness |
Yet those two goals that won the game involved two players from the bench who gained their pre-season fitness from somewhere else. So, whilst JS was right that it is good that we finished strongly, it doesn't really change the theory that the fitness under the club's performance director remains poor.
So, I call BS on that and the Plymouth selection, which must have been a group decision.
Great interview though, Clive and I get that you need to maintain a relationship with the club, so can't go in too hard. Whatever you ask, the reality is everyone has already made their mind up on where they believe the power is in the club, so you won't ever be able to find the silver bullet question that clafies all.
Of course most opinion is going to ultimately determined by on the pitch performance. At the start of last season, there was much noise on here about Nourry. That all but disappeared when results picked up again, but returned once we nose dived. That'll be the same this season; to most (all?) of us first team results are THE barometer of happiness... [Post edited 12 Sep 7:21]
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| Julien Stéphan talks dreams, transfers, and that Coventry game – Interview on 07:28 - Sep 12 with 1281 views | GroveR |
| Julien Stéphan talks dreams, transfers, and that Coventry game – Interview on 20:35 - Sep 11 by derbyhoop |
Cut him some slack. It's not his first language. And, I know only too well, how many faux pas I make when speaking French to French people. |
The solution here would have been for Clive to do the interview in a beret and black and white hooped shirt, speaking slowly and very loudly in Franglais.
"DO YOU PICK-EH LE TEAM-EH? COMPREND-EH?" |  | | |
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| Julien Stéphan talks dreams, transfers, and that Coventry game – Interview on 08:49 - Sep 12 with 1144 views | numptydumpty |
| Julien Stéphan talks dreams, transfers, and that Coventry game – Interview on 07:28 - Sep 12 by GroveR |
The solution here would have been for Clive to do the interview in a beret and black and white hooped shirt, speaking slowly and very loudly in Franglais.
"DO YOU PICK-EH LE TEAM-EH? COMPREND-EH?" |
I noticed JS interview on BBC Sport, he spoke with more control of the english language and at a faster rate also. He was definitely more controlled and careful with his words on this interview. Maybe, because its a direct link to the fans.
Thank you for providing this interview for ourselves Clive.Would have been a hard listen if it was immediately after the Coventry game and am sure a much more challenging interview to conduct.
I like him. I think we could do well under JS. Seems like an intelligent football man.
Let us pray !!!!! [Post edited 12 Sep 8:52]
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| Julien Stéphan talks dreams, transfers, and that Coventry game – Interview on 10:11 - Sep 12 with 993 views | Hunterhoop |
| Julien Stéphan talks dreams, transfers, and that Coventry game – Interview on 20:53 - Sep 11 by Lblock |
I’ve only read it and after a few drinks
Nothing to convince me he’s not just a Nourry puppet so far |
It’s worth listening to, L Block. As you know, I am hugely sceptical and critical of the overbearing nature of our rather under qualified CEO/DOF. I absolutely feared he would appoint a puppet into the first team coaching role. And I am very sceptical about our organisational structure (on the playing side of things).
Listening to the interview though, Stephan talks quite assertively. The way he quite carefully phrased a number of things felt more like a message to his boss than to Clive or the fans. Indeed, he talked as if he was coming from a position of strength. Yes, he won his last game, but prior to that we were bummed in the gob 7-1. It came across like he has been empowered and any game model has been put firmly in a draw for now. That’s good.
Whether that is Nourry empowering him - would show real growth in his maturity and the first sign of good leadership behaviour I have seen from him - or Ruben has once again had to get involved (he was here for the Charlton game) and empower Stephan, I do not know. Hopefully the former. But it does feel like something has happened behind then scenes. Perhaps Stephan’s personal pride was hit by the Coventry game and he had it out with Nourry, and Nourry, knowing Stephan walking 3 games into the season would be a disastrous look for him and kill his career, agreed to give Stephan the reins. That would show remarkable balls from Stephan. But, equally, you can see how he would have had a fair bit of leverage there.
Anyway, I’m speculating. But Stephan’s tone and wording in this interview is VERY different to his first few for the official club channels, so I doubt nothing has happened. |  | | |
| Julien Stéphan talks dreams, transfers, and that Coventry game – Interview on 10:28 - Sep 12 with 953 views | dm97 |
| Julien Stéphan talks dreams, transfers, and that Coventry game – Interview on 10:11 - Sep 12 by Hunterhoop |
It’s worth listening to, L Block. As you know, I am hugely sceptical and critical of the overbearing nature of our rather under qualified CEO/DOF. I absolutely feared he would appoint a puppet into the first team coaching role. And I am very sceptical about our organisational structure (on the playing side of things).
Listening to the interview though, Stephan talks quite assertively. The way he quite carefully phrased a number of things felt more like a message to his boss than to Clive or the fans. Indeed, he talked as if he was coming from a position of strength. Yes, he won his last game, but prior to that we were bummed in the gob 7-1. It came across like he has been empowered and any game model has been put firmly in a draw for now. That’s good.
Whether that is Nourry empowering him - would show real growth in his maturity and the first sign of good leadership behaviour I have seen from him - or Ruben has once again had to get involved (he was here for the Charlton game) and empower Stephan, I do not know. Hopefully the former. But it does feel like something has happened behind then scenes. Perhaps Stephan’s personal pride was hit by the Coventry game and he had it out with Nourry, and Nourry, knowing Stephan walking 3 games into the season would be a disastrous look for him and kill his career, agreed to give Stephan the reins. That would show remarkable balls from Stephan. But, equally, you can see how he would have had a fair bit of leverage there.
Anyway, I’m speculating. But Stephan’s tone and wording in this interview is VERY different to his first few for the official club channels, so I doubt nothing has happened. |
Occam’s Razor - Watford followed by Coventry showed him this squad is not capable of the “game model” and he’s adapted. Totally get the logic behind the scenario outlined, but I think as a fan base we’re a bit in danger of over complicating / over doing the game model stuff (as Clive said in the interview).
Maybe he’s just seen what we’ve all known about these GK/CBs/CMs and said we can’t do that. Again he said as much in interview that we’re not Barca. Without any evidence to the contrary I think you have to take him at face value.
Agree that Plymouth, GK and fitness situation are still suspect. But disagree the playing style point is in any way nefarious. “Simple” as JS says |  | | |
| Julien Stéphan talks dreams, transfers, and that Coventry game – Interview on 10:31 - Sep 12 with 930 views | TheChef |
| Julien Stéphan talks dreams, transfers, and that Coventry game – Interview on 20:53 - Sep 11 by Lblock |
I’ve only read it and after a few drinks
Nothing to convince me he’s not just a Nourry puppet so far |
Have another drink. |  |
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| Julien Stéphan talks dreams, transfers, and that Coventry game – Interview on 10:39 - Sep 12 with 892 views | Thorperanger |
Great interview Clive, It was nice to hear a more ‘natural’ conversation with Stéphan outside of the standard club interviews. Also I hope this ‘thaw’ with the club continues, thanks |  | | |
| Julien Stéphan talks dreams, transfers, and that Coventry game – Interview on 11:28 - Sep 12 with 752 views | joe90 |
Thanks Clive, enjoyed that.
I think Julien comes across well and like his mentality. I'm quietly optimistic. |  | | |
| Julien Stéphan talks dreams, transfers, and that Coventry game – Interview on 11:34 - Sep 12 with 733 views | HanwellHoopster |
Great interview both ways.
I think the questions were perfectly pitched - searching with positive intent rather than being challenging for challenge's sake.
And his answers were also spot on. Loved that he did allow himself to dream for a minute, and that his dream was really not the craziest in the world! | | | |
| Julien Stéphan talks dreams, transfers, and that Coventry game – Interview on 13:51 - Sep 12 with 404 views | Hunterhoop |
| Julien Stéphan talks dreams, transfers, and that Coventry game – Interview on 10:28 - Sep 12 by dm97 |
Occam’s Razor - Watford followed by Coventry showed him this squad is not capable of the “game model” and he’s adapted. Totally get the logic behind the scenario outlined, but I think as a fan base we’re a bit in danger of over complicating / over doing the game model stuff (as Clive said in the interview).
Maybe he’s just seen what we’ve all known about these GK/CBs/CMs and said we can’t do that. Again he said as much in interview that we’re not Barca. Without any evidence to the contrary I think you have to take him at face value.
Agree that Plymouth, GK and fitness situation are still suspect. But disagree the playing style point is in any way nefarious. “Simple” as JS says |
I probably didn’t explain myself well enough.
That post wasn’t suggesting anything nefarious. I was actually trying to persuade L Block that Stephan did not come across like anyone’s puppet in that interview.
But you can’t ignore what he said versus what he said when he joined (“brought into play a set way”) and what Nourry has said around the game model. I’m sure Stephan has worked it all out for himself, but I would expect a conversation took place about the change in approach and formation for Charlton. That isn’t far fetched or nefarious. I’d expect the Head Coach to communicate with those above. All I was doing was speculating how such an exchange occurred and went down. I hope it was as simple as Nourry saying “you’re the head coach, change/do what you think is right.” That would be Nourry empowering him and a sign of leadership growth. I would hope it was nothing more than that. | | | |
| Julien Stéphan talks dreams, transfers, and that Coventry game – Interview on 16:06 - Sep 12 with 219 views | kensalriser |
Normally agree with your well-argued analysis Hunter, but I can't help feeling there's something quite absurd about the notion of coded messages to upstairs. Stephan's a grown adult and experienced manager, I'm sure he's more than capable of airing his views in a frank conversation with Nourry or anyone else at the club and indeed I'd be astonished if that didn't happen on a weekly basis. He's not saying anything to the media he hasn't already said in private. |  |
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| Julien Stéphan talks dreams, transfers, and that Coventry game – Interview on 16:24 - Sep 12 with 177 views | Hunterhoop |
Again. I agree with that. I don’t understand where I indicate I disagree with that. Have said repeatedly above that the interview made me feel something had gone down before the Charlton game, such as a frank exchange of views…just as you’re suggesting.
I do think some of the comments are potentially aimed at the CEO. However, I fully expect they were things he’s discussed directly with him too. It’s a chance for Stephan to get across his thoughts to the fans (and take credit for the change in approach that led to 3 points) - and I think he was impressively deliberate with his wording - and reinforce anything he might have said pre-Charlton to his boss. That’s not surprising or unusual, is it? He knows full well, Nourry will listen to it!
As I said in my first post. Loved a lot of what he said and it made me feel like some form of frank exchange between certain people, likely involving Stephan, had gone down before Charlton, and Stephan has come out stronger and more empowered from it. [Post edited 12 Sep 16:30]
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| Julien Stéphan talks dreams, transfers, and that Coventry game – Interview on 16:53 - Sep 12 with 115 views | dmm |
I have wondered whether, due to Stephan's record and standing as a well regarded coach, his views command more respect among the powers that be at QPR than Cifuentes ever did. |  | | |
| Julien Stéphan talks dreams, transfers, and that Coventry game – Interview on 17:07 - Sep 12 with 87 views | Hunterhoop |
| Julien Stéphan talks dreams, transfers, and that Coventry game – Interview on 16:53 - Sep 12 by dmm |
I have wondered whether, due to Stephan's record and standing as a well regarded coach, his views command more respect among the powers that be at QPR than Cifuentes ever did. |
Probably that, and if it’s the second head coach in a row to say something broadly similar. You’d expect that to carry some weight in itself. They also hired him, so presumably respect him (still) in a way that respect had been lost for Cifuentes. | | | |
| Julien Stéphan talks dreams, transfers, and that Coventry game – Interview on 17:09 - Sep 12 with 88 views | WestbourneR |
Was it only me that found that a very boring & rambling interview. I totally switched off it got so meandering and dull. Lots and lots of words but very little concrete information. He made about much sense as a French Ian Holloway.
Shame. I've liked him earlier interviews. |  |
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