Maxime Chanot has significantly revised his opinion of Will Still after being invited behind the scenes at Auxerre. The former Luxembourg international, a vocal critic in the spring, attended a training session on Thursday and came away impressed by the young manager's work.
The team, tenth in Ligue 1 with six points, is currently preparing for its trip to Rennes on Sunday (17:15). Chanot was able to see Still's methods firsthand. "I found the training session very, very well organised by Will Still and his staff," he said. He added that he "sensed a guy who knows the very high level" and a group "united around the coach."
A shift in perspective
This assessment stands in stark contrast to his comments in April, when he called the coach "overrated," and in late August, when he found him "tactically limited." Chanot explains the visit as a need to listen. "It was important to listen to Will Still and justify my position," he stated. He notes he "really liked" his work at Reims, "less at Lens and Southampton," but believes the manager "has also known how to adapt to the quality of his players" at Auxerre.
The sporting context lends credence to this shift. AJA is on a run of three consecutive league victories, including a dramatic 4-3 win over Clermont on October 2. Striker Cameron Archer, who scored twice in that match, is the squad's top scorer this season with three goals. The upcoming fixtures will be demanding, starting with the game against Stade Rennais, who are fifth in the table.
Maxime Chanot, who has 72 caps for Luxembourg, says he will remain impartial towards Still and Auxerre after this visit.
Background and full detail: RMC Sport Football
