What ever happened to him?
Yoann Gourcuff
- Thread starter talking robot
- Start date
-
In the latest episode of the United Hour Podcast, Nik (@Rood) and Imran (@Annihilate Now!) are here to discuss Amad saving our blushes in a win against Southampton as well as our now annual loss at home to Brighton. They discuss Amorim's post-match comments, revisit how mid-table we may or may not be, and discuss some transfer news.
My guess is he hasn't worked on the mental side of his game.
I still love him
Will he ever make it at a top club though Chief, or is he destined to be a French Le Tissier?
It's interesting how much mentality plays in a person's career.
You can have little to no skill, but the mind of an ox and the determination of a titan and make yourself a very healthy career of football. On the flip side, you can have all the skill in the world and end up out of the game by 26, drunk, and in debt.
Football is extremely stressful. The media, the fans, the club, yourself - as much as I would love to play at that level, I'm not sure I could handle it mentally if I'm honest.
I think the study of players' psych is the next evolution of training. You went from fitness to technique to diet to injury awareness and next is training/scouting of the mind. You already hear Fergie talking about it when assessing youth.
You can have little to no skill, but the mind of an ox and the determination of a titan and make yourself a very healthy career of football. On the flip side, you can have all the skill in the world and end up out of the game by 26, drunk, and in debt.
Football is extremely stressful. The media, the fans, the club, yourself - as much as I would love to play at that level, I'm not sure I could handle it mentally if I'm honest.
I think the study of players' psych is the next evolution of training. You went from fitness to technique to diet to injury awareness and next is training/scouting of the mind. You already hear Fergie talking about it when assessing youth.
It is the most important reason that has made us successful under Fergie imvho.
He needs the type of coach that would mould him and strengthen him mentally. Or a coach like Rednkapp who will make him believe he is a mini god of football.
I also wouldn't call him Le Tissier. Le tissier was tough. Playing relegation threatened football year in year out, even when every one knows you are too good for that level is tough, especially when they openly mock you for not leaving that level and call you unambitious for staying with club you love with your heart and soul.
Is he the one you light a candle for.
Do you guys also think he is one of those players who would just come and fit right into our side?
No.
There's evidence of (primitive) sports psychology that can be traced back to he late 50s and thereafter in international football (Brazil '58) and club football (Herrera's Barcelona) so I'd imagine it's already at quite an advanced stage.
Interesting thing I read some time ago.
Rudolph Austin, player of the year in the Norwegian league, sat down before the season started and made a list.
He listed 10 things he needed to improve on, as concise as possible. For example: Don't get sent off(aggressive player), look around you every three seconds to be aware of runs/other players etc.
The point I'm making is I guess the mental preparation, or "training", can really make a difference in a player's performance. Austin developed into twice the player he had previously been, because he forced himself to be aware of things he's supposed to do in his role on the pitch.
He could do the job for a team like Tottenham I guess, although they absolutely do not need an offensive midfielder I am sure Redknapp could find a way to squeeze him in there somewhere.
Rumours doing the rounds today he may be Arsenal bound in Jan.
It would be a strange signing for them as they already have Ramsey, Song, Wilshere and Arteta.
Aye, but Wenger can't have too many number 10's in his Barcalite approach. Been like that for a few years now.
Indeed can't have too many good players.
Florentino Perez likes this.
Having barely seen him, I've still got it in my head that he plays in a different position to those doesn't he? I thought he was more of a Mata or VdV type, off the striker?
Since Arshavin and Rosicky must be on borrowed time at Arsenal maybe he's a replacement for them and will play off Van Persie.
So true.
He was tough, but he was also lazy. By his own admission, he said it was convenient and comfortable for him at Saints. He could get away with being a poor trainer, wasn't expected to put too much of a shift in, and could really do what he wanted.
I don't knock him as unambitious for staying at Southampton, quite commendable in many ways, to play for a team for reasons other than money or trophies. But surely you would agree that for a player with such incredible talent, from a neutral point of view, he was wasted in the team he played for at that particular time. That was really what i meant regarding Gourcuff. Would he spend his time at a smaller club, when really with his talent he should be capable of so much more?
Frustrating player. You can't help but think with the right manager and supportive teammates he could be great, but time's running out. A move to Arsenal could be great for him. Is he over the injuries now?
'Little to no skill' is probably overdoing it a bit. I have no doubt even the so-called 'donkeys' in the premier league would make a good park footballers' jaw drop with what they could do when they have the time and no pressure.
I'm sure you had Heskey in mind
Tbh it wouldn't matter what they'd be able to do in the park with zero pressure, they're pro footballers so they're only be judged when they play "the real thing".
I wouldn't mind if United get Gourcuff on loan
I'm sure you had Heskey in mind
I meant comparable to each other
Of course you have to have SOME skill to get to the top level.Anyone know what's happened to this guy? Not heard anything of him for a good few years now - just been reminded of him in the Pjanic thread in the transfer forum. I know that he's not a regular appearance in the Lyon team. Just a bit intrigued
I remember him being touted as a world beater when he was around 22/23. He has had a horrible career at Lyon, having a lot of injury troubles which have really restricted him. Shame really, still think he's an alright player.