Laurent Koscielny on management: “I know Arsène Wenger will share his experiences”

In an interview with L’Équipe, Lorient coach Laurent Koscienly shared his experiences on becoming a coach, why he chose Lorient and who has had an impact on his coaching style. 

Upon his retirement from professional football, Koscielny took up a coaching role within the backroom staff at Bordeaux. More recently, he was appointed as coach in Regis Le Bris’ backroom at Lorient. The former centre-back was initially appointed as a youth coach. When asked about why he decided to take the opportunity to coach in Brittany, he said: “My wife and I were wondering about the rest of our lives in Bordeaux, it was complicated to find any opportunities. Brittany was our number one choice to leave. I called Loic Férylle (the president of Lorient) and explained my project to him, and then the doors were open.”

The former French international was lucky to be managed by some top coaches during his playing career, he was asked if any coaches had an impact on his style. Koscielny replied: “Daniel Sanchez at Tours, Christian Gourcouff at Lorient, Arsène Wenger and Unai Emery at Arsenal, and Laurent Blanc and Didier Deschamps with France. They all influenced me. Even when it was more complicated, there were always discussions”. 

The Lorient coach also added he had been in contact with Arséne Wenger recently, saying “I spoke with Arséne on the phone recently… I know when I meet Arsène (Wenger) about managing a club, he will share his experiences of all those years in London.”

Koscielny doesn’t yet have all of the coaching badges to take full charge of a men’s professional team. L’Équipe asked him about his plans to complete his badges to which he responded: “You have to give me some time. I’m not going to take the place of Régis Le Bris! I’ve only