Willy Sagnol Sets Clear Boundaries at Bordeaux: “No Player Should Address Me Informally”
New Bordeaux head coach Willy Sagnol has laid down the law as he begins his first full season in charge of the Girondins, stressing that respect for the hierarchy is non-negotiable within the squad.
Speaking to Le Journal du Dimanche (JDD), the former France international insisted that players must address him formally, warning that only one exception exists within the team.
“A player doesn’t address me informally,” Sagnol declared. “Only one has that right—Julien Faubert—because we’ve known each other for a long time.”
Sagnol, who is known for his forthright personality, notably clashed with pundits during his playing days, including a now-famous “Shut up, old man” retort to Marcel Desailly during the 2006 World Cup. The Bordeaux boss made it clear that he would not tolerate similar language directed at him from players.
“If someone does it, it shows a lack of respect for the role of the coach,” he added. “Unless I’ve disrespected him, then it becomes a matter between two men—not between a player and his coach.”
As Bordeaux prepare for the 2014–15 Ligue 1 campaign, Sagnol is expected to restore discipline and ambition to a side that has underperformed in recent seasons.
