Importance Score: 25 / 100 🔵
- Football manager Will Still has garnered significant popularity among fans due to his unconventional background.
- The Lens coach has once again impressed supporters, this time with a profanity-laden bilingual address to his team.
- LISTEN NOW: It’s All Kicking Off! Examining the criticism directed at Liverpool’s Trent Alexander-Arnold.
Will Still, the Lens manager, has cultivated a strong fan base in football, and the latest revelation about him has only amplified this. This article explores how Will Still, a prominent figure in football management, continues to capture the attention of fans, with recent viral footage showcasing his unique communication style.
Will Still’s Bilingual Team Talk Captivates Fans
Supporters are enthusiastically sharing a newly surfaced video clip of Still fluently transitioning between English and French during a team meeting. This instance further cements his reputation as an engaging and passionate coach.
Notably, the footage reveals a deliberate use of English for expletives, adding a layer of intrigue to his already captivating persona.
Rapid Ascent in Football Management
Still initially gained prominence at the age of 30 in October 2022 when Reims appointed him, making him the youngest head coach in Europe’s major football leagues. This swift rise to prominence underlined his potential and charisma within the sport.
During his tenure at Reims, the club famously incurred a £22,000 penalty each time he managed the team, a consequence of him not possessing a UEFA Pro Licence. Despite this administrative challenge, his on-field impact remained undeniable.
Lens and European Aspirations
Currently at the helm of Lens, Still has steered the team to eighth position in Ligue 1. They remain in contention for a Champions League qualification spot, highlighting his continued ambition and tactical acumen.
Inside the Dressing Room: Expletive-Laden Motivation
In the newly circulated half-time team talk video, Still can be heard saying, ‘Okay, so their coach is going to see the referee, moaning about s***,’ as his players listen intently. This raw and direct communication style is part of what makes him a compelling figure.
Will Still’s bilingual team talk, delivered in English and French, has garnered significant attention online.
His passionate speech during his time at Reims has drawn comparisons to the intense style of celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay.
Still is now managing Lens, with aspirations to secure Champions League qualification for the club.
‘Nothing crazy. It’s a little game of chess,’ he continues, seamlessly switching between languages to convey tactical points and maintain player engagement.
‘The first team that’s going to be able to provoke a mistake from the opposition is the team that’s going to emerge victorious.’
‘Be f****** patient. If we adhere to the f****** basics, and maintain discipline, we will secure the victory.’
‘This contest will be decided on a minute s*** detail. Alright? Remain composed, maintain discipline, let’s go!’
Team Talk Origin and Fan Reactions
The video footage is from last season during Still’s tenure at Reims, although the specific match remains undetermined. The clip highlights his capacity to motivate players through passionate and direct communication.
Emmanuel Agbadou, a centre-back for Wolves who previously played under Still at Reims, is among the players visibly animated by the stirring team talk delivered in the confined dressing room space.
Social Media Buzz
‘This individual is truly impressive,’ commented one TikTok user, reflecting the broader sentiment online.
‘I appreciate his strategic use of English for swear words, keeping the French language separate,’ added another user, pointing out the nuanced bilingual approach.
‘Will Still is a genius,’ declared one admirer, highlighting the overwhelmingly positive reactions.
‘He has a Gordon Ramsay-esque speech pattern,’ another observer humorously noted, referencing the celebrity chef known for his intense and expletive-filled outbursts.
Calls for Premier League Appointment
Evidently dissatisfied West Ham and Chelsea supporters have even advocated for Still’s appointment at their respective clubs, showcasing his growing appeal beyond French football. This demonstrates his increasing recognition and desirability within top football circles.
‘He should be at West Ham coyi (Come on you Irons),’ suggested a fan online, reflecting aspirations for his talents in the Premier League.
‘Come to Chelsea,’ urged another, echoing similar sentiments from a different fanbase.
Early Career and Football Manager Influence
Born in Belgium to English parents, Still commenced his managerial journey remarkably young at 24 with Lierse in 2017, initially as caretaker manager. This early start laid the groundwork for his subsequent successes.
Still has openly acknowledged that his enthusiasm for coaching originated from playing the simulation game Football Manager, an unusual yet relatable origin story for a modern football coach.
Desire for England Return
In a 2023 interview with Mail Sport, Still articulated his ambition to secure a managerial position in England at some point in the future, expressing a clear professional aspiration. This ambition underscores his long-term career goals and openness to different football environments.
‘Should the opportunity arise to return to England, it would undoubtedly be a dream scenario,’ he stated. ‘However, should that not materialise, I am confident that other compelling opportunities will emerge elsewhere.’