Upon his arrival on the Parisian bench in January 2012, to succeed Antoine Kombouaré, Ancelotti not only brought his methodology and professionalism but also his critical perspective. This garnered him sympathy from PSG supporters.
However, the Italian coach’s remarks about French training methods and the development of young players sparked a strong reaction from Willy Sagnol, coach of the French youth team. In an interview with L’Equipe on Friday, Sagnol addressed Ancelotti’s comments, suggesting that they reflected more of a cultural issue than a purely professional one. He expressed his discomfort with Ancelotti, hailing from the Italian system, criticizing French training while overlooking the shortcomings in his own country’s approach.
Sagnol also took aim at Gregory Van der Wiel, referencing the player’s recent struggles and his own observations of young players’ behavior in training. He criticized the lax attitude of some players, contrasting it with the disciplined approach instilled in French training programs.
In response, Sagnol defended the reputation of French training, emphasizing the adaptability and creativity instilled in players. He also called out those who had passed through prestigious academies like Ajax, suggesting they should introspect before criticizing others.
