Denis Arnaud: “I am very demanding, for everything”
In an interview given to Ouest-France at the beginning of October, Denis Arnaud spoke about his management style, and the criticisms that may have been made concerning him.
The Stade Rennes Academy will soon see the return of Philippe Barraud, a surprise at the start of the week. In office since 2020, Denis Arnaud spoke for Ouest-France during an interview conducted at the beginning of the month.
“When I arrived, it’s true that there was a change, because I considered that we had to get out of a certain comfort zone. The players, even those of great value, are not above the club. If the behavior is not okay, we don’t let it happen”clarifies the director of the training center, voted best in France. “It could have been disruptive. You can’t please everyone, and I have a different life experience, which hasn’t always been in the football world. There may also have been feelings from some. The club makes choices, and turnover is part of its operation, which does not call into question skills. In 5 years, 10% of educators have left, which is low compared to what exists in other clubs.”
“I say things to my face, even if it doesn’t always make me happy”
Arnaud has in the past been the subject of criticism, linked in particular to his personality, which he then defends himself from. “I am very demanding, for everything, but it is the condition of the high level, which depends on the details. And I say things to my face, even if it doesn’t always make me happy. Telling the truth also saves time with young people. With today’s generations, if you’re not fair, you don’t bring them into the project. If there is no honesty and transparency, there is no more trust. When things are not going well, we explain, we show, and when things are going well, we encourage. It’s the same with employees.”
And continue. “There is also a lot of kindness, a lot of energy spent to support our young people, including in their life journey and their personal setbacks. Lots of stories inside the club that we can’t tell. But it’s not Denis Arnaud, it’s the club, its image. If you want the player to perform well, you have to take an interest in his life. And if you can do that, your message becomes much stronger. We also receive a lot of messages from young people or parents even when they are not looked after, and the educators are also quite keen to stay here! »
