Deila, the step-by-step change at Standard

He arrived once or twice the last, to better observe. He always watches the beginnings of training from afar, then comes closer and starts to give voice, after his assistants, Juarez Eifrein and Geoffrey Valenne, have coordinated the first exercises.

During a tactical set-up, he does not hesitate to stop everyone after a few seconds, to replace, to explain. Without shouting, but we understand the determination.

During the week of training in the Netherlands, in Garderen, Ronny Deila laid down his principles of play and set the course for the coming season: solidarity is a theme that often came up, this solidarity which can compensate for a lack of quality .

If the physical load was not intense – the physical trainers more often looked at the training than given the tempo of the laps – the set-ups were numerous.

The offensive conversion, starting from the back, with the support of the full-backs and the refocusing of the wingers, to bring in crosses, was an important element of the work, but not always outstanding in match.

The other point of work was the pressing, to recover the high ball, or the defensive work on the stopped phases, in an exercise which consisted of leaving the zone in 7 seconds.

Transition speed and possession are two elements that Deila wants to rely on, even if he has already readjusted his priorities, to solidify the defensive bases. Joachim Van Damme explained that in a certain way, the approach reminds him of that of Wouter Vrancken, in Mechelen.

The Norwegian technician finished watching all of Standard’s matches last season before leaving for the camp.

One of his observations is that it is necessary for this team to reproduce in matches what they produce in training, with the same intensity, which has not always been the case.

After significant physical work in Liège, he lightened the sessions in the Netherlands, because of the two friendly matches – which he had not scheduled since the training camp had been decided before his arrival – but by asking for total involvement during trainings. The players have not complained about running less, but they ensure that the intensity is there.

A briefing before each workout

Before each training, Deila also organized a briefing, sometimes by lines of play, to announce what he expected. The sessions did not exceed an hour and a half, but the former New York coach seems to favor quality over quantity.

He also attaches great importance to group life. Thursday evening, the group met in an Italian restaurant, about twenty kilometers from Garderen.

On the menu: pasta, lasagna or pizza. The aim was to strengthen cohesion. Deila took the opportunity to fulfill the tradition, and sing in front of everyone for her first stage. He chose “Let it be” des Beatles.

“Let it be” and table changes

He especially took up, in his speech, the theory of a university professor, who put forward the need to deal with the essential, before thinking about the futile, and the problems, through the theory of big pebbles. In football, this can be summed up as “the team is the glue of everything”.

Ronny Deila will not be able to rely only on elements of language to advance his team. So he also wanted to change some habits. During meals, there is no longer a ready-made table. Players and staff share the same table and it changes regularly.

It was in this way that Epolo challenged Eifrein: the assistant would not manage to score two goals for him, on long shots. The former Mexican international complied and won the bet. Enough to fuel the discussions at the table and brighten the atmosphere.

If he wants to create a relaxed atmosphere, without curfews and with accountability, Deila can also be strict. This is how he sent Moussa Sissako and Mathieu Cafaro back to Liège, after barely two days of training.

The message was sent to Selim Amallah, too, to get more involved as he heads for a transfer. “When I have something to say to a player, I say it, I confront him with my vision of things”comments the Norwegian.

In “Let it be” Paul McCartney a écrit : “And when the night is cloudy there is still a light that shines on me.” This can translate to: “And when the night is cloudy, there is always a light that enlightens me.”

Everyone at Standard hopes Deila finds the light.