Will Still, manager of French football club RC Lens. He is really developing a reputation as a cutting edge manager of the beautiful game. His holistic approach combines an easily identifiable playing philosophy with creative off-the-field motivational methods. This approach is changing the Lens dais’ impact on the pitch.
Still’s playing philosophy clearly puts focus on an attacking, attractive style of football. And he’s determined that fans have to be treated to an exciting brand of play because, as he put it, “I just hate watching boring football.” This rallying cry shapes his strategy and informs how he prepares his athletes. In particular, by emphasizing aggressive pressing and quick transitions, Still hopes to make the new Detroit City FC a high-energy and fun-to-watch team.
Yet as a manager, Still focuses on frequency, honesty, and a personal connection with his players. He knows you don’t get people by just focusing on the shiny new how-to. By building powerful relationships based on individualized motivation and candid assessments of performance, he creates a culture where everyone feels important and empowered. His leadership style combines strength of purpose with accessibility and wisdom. This bittersweet space encourages individuals to perform for themselves, but in conjunction with the needs of the team.
In talking about his player motivation strategies, Still explains how key it is to recognize what’s going to motivate each player personally. He uses positive reinforcement to raise confidence and morale, knowing that a confident, happy player is a more productive player. This customized treatment not only improves the performance of the individual players, it leads to the team playing together cohesively.
Will Still’s job as manager of Lens goes way beyond tactical approaches to gamedays. It involves everything. He’s a strategic thinker who thoroughly studies opponents and adjusts his game plan to their strengths and weaknesses. He prefers a hands-on approach to training. This approach not only gets players match ready but develops a winning culture and game day discipline and focus in the team.
The effects of Still’s leadership can be seen straight away by the performances from the team’s players. Under his stewardship, Lens fought like tigers in games, often taking the fight to clubs atop their table. His commitment to creating an attacking style wins over the fans and helps create such a strong team identity.
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