Some high-level takeaways
I’m warming to him a little.
He noticeably relaxed once the Boufal and Fonte questions were out the way. His speech improved and he stuttered less.
He tried to crack a few jokes that were a little lost in translation.
Favourite phrases used today.
Window Mercato - Transfer window
Agressivity
CLAUDE PUEL IMPORTANT AND INTERESTING BINGO GAME
Next week we need to a bingo game to count how many times will he say the words important or interesting (Not including stammers and restarted sentences).
OK. The transcribed question…Oh holy fuck he’s hard work.
Journo: Injuries - first of all - Is Bertrand Fit to Play?
Ahum. We will see ahh tomorrow eef er Bertran can uh come here. He signed er, ze squad. Errm. He come back er zis week with er twitch training session with er his parterners…And we will see ah he can participate err for zis game er for the nes with the necks game er with his parterners.
Journo: Supplemental…because it’s the final match before the international break it may be wise to wait until after then?
Ahhummm. Ze important is er heah heum he must umm he must come back with urr a good condition er er a good physical lovel er we will see er if un he can parce participate for for for zis um game sixty two or no. I ah I ah I don’t know ze zethe most important is to se ahh ryan at a training session wher resuss zis is very very important. After ah for ze ah International ah games is other things. But it’s important for ze ze squad to to to see to see Ryan ah on ze pitch.
Other notable stuff…
Romeu will be back.
What needs to change after Sunderland?
Disappointing with many chances. 15 chances for us 8 for them and we lost 2-0. Stuff to work on. This is normal at the beginning. He needs time between the learning and the application on the pitch. We can see progress but we’re not there yet. We need belief.
Frazer Forster - How good is he and is he read to be England #1?
Very good and mature. National team won’t be a problem.
Coco Martina - Is he offski?
We will see when the windows shuts. We might see movements in and out. We don’t know where he will end up. Cuco might be better off leaving to get a longer contract elsewhere. We should have cover with Cedric and Pied - but we will get injuries so he might stay. THINK he said it’s the club’s choice.
Jay Rod - Two clubs are interested. Would you be prepared to loan him?
We will see in the next days. Claude likes him. A question that needs to be answered is if he would be better to play regularly somewhere else or as a sub with is. He has great qualities but needs confidence and fitness. Seems to be Jay’s choice. Claude doesn’t understand the supplemental so translator helps. Says the same thing again but says he wants Jay to be happy.
Fonte - Are we willing to let him go? Are we offering a new contract?
Jose is concentrating on his football. Talks as if it’s a done deal - he’s staying - without actually saying that. Great obfuscation by Claude. He’s a genius at simultaneously sounding completely baffled and baffling.
Fonte - Would fans understand if Fonte wanted to go - given his loyalty and age?
Jose is important for the fans - they like him. He’s important. His work here is not finished. It’s very important to keep him. He had a good discussion with the Director and the Chairman and all is OK. The fans can be happy because Jose is staying.
Fonte - Was he told he is going nowhere?
We listened and gave him time to speak and now it’s time to play. Sounds like he’s asked to go but told he is not.
Taking players from top teams is easy, but what about taking players from lower teams in France. What challenges do they face?
Journo is edging around the Boufal question. Claude says many French players lack the experience and maturity to play in the Prem. There are lots of young players in Ligue 1. He sees Ligue 1 as a big academy for the Prem. Technique isn’t the problem, it’s more physical and tactical.
Is it a risk to take a lower level player?
Jouno still plugging away at the Boufal question. It’s always a risk. It’s different. Claude laughs because it’s clear the journo is asking about Boufal. He says that Boufal isn’t our player yet - perhaps in the ‘next days’
What’s more important - 3 points or the team understanding his methods?
Both. Points for confidence now, methods for the future.
You’ve had success in France. Are you sure this formation will work in the Prem?
I hope. Important that the players are rewarded for their effort. In the first two games we haven’t had the results we deserve. We’re doing well.
OK, next week’s presser will be transcribed by Redslo (Attourney at Law)'s Secretary.
