Jean-Claude Suaudeau, the legendary coach of FC Nantes (France) from 1982 to 1988 and again from 1991 to 1997, is undoubtedly one of the most influential and innovative French soccer coaches of all time. In the book "La Belle Équipe" (The Beautiful Team, published by Amphora) — dedicated to the incredible 1994-1995 season of Nantes — former star playmaker Reynald Pedros reflects on the science behind the training methods employed by his coach, affectionately named “Coco”. "He was always searching for new ideas and new drills to develop our soccer IQ." The former national team coach for the Moroccan women’s senior team recalls one particular training session left a lasting impression. "The day after a game, he set up an 11-vs-11 drill — but without a ball. He told us, 'Now, you’re going to mimic all the technical actions you would perform in your position.' So, as a left winger, I was making diagonal runs, pretending to dribble, and mimicking long passes. From the outside, we must have looked crazy, but we did it with full commitment because we believed in his methods." A method and style of play that has even influenced FC Barcelona and a certain Pep Guardiola.
Brief
Jean-Claude Suaudeau perpetuated and modernised the ‘Nantes style of play’ and left his mark on a whole generation of coaches and players (here Reynald Pedros) / ©Presse Sports