Published on 16/12/2024 at 5:41 p.m.
2 minutes of reading
Passionate about sport and more particularly football since my early childhood.
Read more
A recent report from Sud-Ouest offers an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at the Girondins de Bordeaux, revealing previously unpublished details on the new organization put in place by the president Gérard Lopez. This dive into the workings of the club highlights surprising practices which raise questions about the management of the flagship team.
Unprecedented presidential involvement
According to information reported by Sud-Ouest, Gérard Lopez is kept informed of the team composition the day before each match. In an unprecedented gesture, coach Bruno Irlès transmits the names of the players lined up directly to the president, thus breaking the usual conventions. This interference by the owner in technical decisions raises questions about the balance of power within the club and the potential influence exerted on sporting choices, according to some observers.
Secret pacts sealed on the bus
The report also reveals an unusual episode, to say the least, where Gérard Lopez initialed “a non-aggression pact” with North Gate supporters, directly on the team bus. This informal practice, far from conventional procedures, demonstrates a unique approach to managing relations with supporter groups. Some experts wonder about the potential implications of such secret agreements on club governance.
An atypical decision-making tandem
In addition to these revelations, the report highlights the key role of John Williamspresented as the “unofficial sports director” of the club. Alongside Bruno Irlès, Williams would actively participate in post-match debriefings, thus reinforcing its influence on technical decisions. This unusual configuration raises questions about the distribution of responsibilities and powers within the Girondins sporting organization.
Operation called into question
These revelations sparked strong reactions in the world of football, with some welcoming the unprecedented involvement of the presidentwhile others worry about the potential interference in decision-making processes. Whatever the case, these atypical practices demonstrate Gérard Lopez's desire to be actively involved in the daily management of the club, calling into question the conventions established in the professional environment.