Lille (LOSC): How Bruno Génésio outwitted Europe's Elite

Bruno Génésio has had quite the week with Lille (and that could be an understatement). After triumphing in the Champions League with what could be one of the club's most famous results against Real Madrid on Wednesday (1-0), Les Dogues followed up with a win over Toulouse at Stade Pierre-Mauroy (2-1) to move up to 5th place before the beginning of the international break.

The Lille coach, now 58, celebrated a notable triumph over Carlo Ancelotti, after having already beaten legendary managers such as Pep Guardiola and Jose Mourinho in European competition. "These are just observations, but it feels good," Génésio remarked to L'Équipe in a lengthy interview before the game. "I appreciate Carlo Ancelotti a lot." This win marked another significant achievement for Génésio, who previously steered Lyon to an impressive victory over Manchester City in the Champions League group stage in September 2018.

Génésio is known for a rather calm demeanour, having managed 66 international matches with Lyon, Rennes, and Lille. His experience has helped him navigate high-stakes games like the recent encounter with Los Blancos. He successfully orchestrated Lille's stunning victory over José Mourinho's Fenerbahçe earlier this season, solidifying his status as a tactician to be reckoned with.

Learning from the Best

Reflecting on his coaching philosophy, Génésio acknowledged the influence of several legendary managers. "If we talk about technique and tactics, there’s a master: Pep Guardiola," he said, admiring Guardiola's innovative methods, such as repositioning Philipp Lahm from a full-back to a central midfielder. "At the tactical level, I’ve been greatly inspired by Nagelsmann and Gasperini," he noted.

When asked about his approach during intense matches, Génésio emphasised the need to maintain confidence in his decisions. "Winning against City made me shift my way of functioning. There are rational elements, but there’s also intuition involved in decision-making."

Embracing the Challenge

Génésio's time away from Lyon, particularly his stint in China, has provided him with fresh perspectives. "It allowed me to step outside the Lyon framework," he shared. This experience enabled him to let go of past regrets, such as not reaching the Europa League final in 2017. "It helped me move on. I had to cut the cord," he admitted.

Now back in Europe, Génésio relishes the opportunity to lead Lille in the Champions League. "We achieved something extraordinary by qualifying. It’s a celebration for our supporters," he said, highlighting the prestige of facing teams like Real Madrid. "Winning against top clubs is exceptional; it makes us feel alive."

Evolving as a Coach

Génésio's relationship with the media and supporters has also matured. "In my communication, I may not have always been precise. I felt sincere, but it wasn't always perceived that way," he reflected. He aims to maintain a calm approach to management, believing it fosters clarity and effectiveness. "There’s nothing easier than to yell or punish. But that’s not the right way to endure in this profession," he stated.

His recent successes have also altered his image among peers. "If I'm recognized, it's due to my work. It's not an image I constructed through the media," he explained, valuing the relationships he’s built throughout his career. "The most rewarding aspect is the respect of my colleagues and players," he said.

As Lille prepare for future challenges in the Champions League, Bruno Génésio remains focused on building a team capable of competing at the highest level. Sat 5th in Ligue 1, and 18th in the Champions League phase standings, there is a lot of work to be done to build on the win over Real Madrid for the rest of the season. 

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