RLB ON MONTHLY AWARDS

In typically modest fashion, Regis Le Bris played down his Manager of the Month nomination and diverted praise to his staff and the squad as a whole. Football is, after all, a team sport.

MANAGER OF THE MONTH

“It is a pleasure obviously because it means that our collective performance is positive at the minute. We want to be competitive in this league. It is still better to start with confidence and with points, with the feeling that we can be competitive even if it is tough and every game is different. It is positive as a manager because I am the one who speaks with you but it is really clear that it’s collective work, a collective effort. Everyone has their own role, it is really important to value even the small tasks because it’s important for the whole output in the end.”

ROEFS/XHAKA

“The Premier League is expensive! The recruitment staff, the structure and the process was productive this summer and it was from previous experiences. We are learning as an organisation, and with small upgrades, but to be clear and aligned it can help make the difference.”

TEAM EFFORT

“I think the main point is probably the collective effort. We are really aligned with this belief that if we work together, we can create something different. We are really connected with our identity. This alignment is really powerful, you can feel the energy, it is something which is really difficult to define but it is a complex system. When you work together with simple ideas and are aligned, you can create something different.”

LEVELLING UP

“It is exactly the same process because it is part of the identity of our club. We want to develop the squad, to help it become a better version of the squad and to help the players become better players. It’s a learning process, we challenge them, we support them, and we try to do our best.”

POSITIVE EXPERIENCES

“I like being surprised. I think the dynamic is positive, I can’t say anything else, it is really clear. But it is always a new journey. We started well because I think the connection and the energy was really positive. Now, we are facing new challenges and it is always fragile. We know that this league is really competitive. Every day is a new day.”

PLAYING IDENTITY

“I think it is really connected because we don’t start from scratch. That is very clear, the identity of the club is already there. The players who were here last season help a lot and the new lads bring in a new energy, new style of play, new profiles. The connection so far is really good.”

SELF BELIEF

“It is still a question and I had this conversation with our captain about this topic this week. Granit told me that the team is really balanced. Ambitious, but at the same time aware of the different elements we have to develop to become a better team. We are alert and aware of our weaknesses and strengths, so it’s really balanced so far.”

CONSISTENCY

“We are consistent. Players from last season for example, they were ready when they had to come on from the bench because they know the system and they experienced different situations so the connection was really quick. Within the squad we have created a clear idea about how we want to use our players. Who might be the started and who could be the second one. If you get your opportunity, just be ready because it could be for you now. For example Arthur (Masuaku) and Riggy, when they had to step up they were ready knowing the system and their teammates. It wasn’t so difficult for them to connect with the squad.”

BEDDING IN QUICKLY

“I think good players help. It is always easier with someone who is really smart, curious with a willingness to learn every day with a really high level. The attitude is absolutely unbelievable in this group and Robin is one of these players.”