Willy Sagnol Brings New Energy to Bordeaux as Ligue 1 Season Kicks Off
Bordeaux have shown signs of renewal this season under their new head coach, Willy Sagnol. Formerly the manager of France’s Under-21 team and a decorated former Bayern Munich defender, Sagnol has injected fresh impetus into the Girondins squad ahead of the 2014-2015 Ligue 1 campaign.
The appointment of Sagnol has been warmly welcomed by the team, with club captain Laminé Sané expressing optimism about the new direction. Speaking to France Football, the Senegalese defender highlighted the similarities between Sagnol’s coaching style and that of Bordeaux’s previous manager, Laurent Blanc.
“The change of coach was something the club needed. We needed something new,” said Sané. “He reminds us of Laurent Blanc in terms of work ethic and his generation. The first approaches have been very good, and the group really took to it.”
Sagnol’s reputation as a tactician and motivator has raised expectations at the club. His experience with the French youth setup has equipped him with a modern approach to player development and game strategy, which Bordeaux hope will translate into improved performances on the pitch.
The new season begins this Saturday when Bordeaux travel to face Montpellier in their opening Ligue 1 fixture. The match will serve as an early test of how well the squad has adapted to Sagnol’s methods and whether the revival hinted at during pre-season preparations can be sustained in competitive play.
Bordeaux fans will be eager to see their team build momentum under Sagnol’s leadership, aiming to return the club to its former standing among France’s top sides.
