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Babbel defends Wanderers' coaching style

3 minute read

Western Sydney coach Markus Babbel has denied reports his assistant Jean-Paul de Marigny has caused a rift between staff and players at the A-League club.

MARKUS BABBEL, head coach of Hoffenheim looks on during the training session of TSG 1899 Hoffenheim for the upcoming Bundesliga season at Dietmar-Hopp-Stadion in Sinsheim, Germany.
MARKUS BABBEL, head coach of Hoffenheim looks on during the training session of TSG 1899 Hoffenheim for the upcoming Bundesliga season at Dietmar-Hopp-Stadion in Sinsheim, Germany. Picture: Thomas Niedermueller/Getty Images

Western Sydney Wanderers coach Markus Babbel has labelled reports of complaints made by former players and club staff "dog s***" as the team spirals down the A-League ladder.

Following five consecutive losses, accusations have been made claiming players are confused and do not respect Babbel, while assistant coach Jean-Paul de Marigny runs the team with a firm hand, demoralising players.

On Wednesday morning the coach took aim at the reports, saying that if players cannot handle a tough coaching style they 'have no f***ing chance in Europe'.

"I'm not only here to teach them technique and tactic... but also mentally," Babbel said.

"We had the challenge before, we were asking them what is the biggest dream that they have. All of them want to come to Europe.

"If you can't handle this, trust me, no f***ing chance in Europe."

Babbel also rubbished a report in the Sydney Morning Herald claiming there is a rift between he and the "animated" de Marigny, who is accused of white-anting the German boss to take over the head coach role.

"I can't comment about this dog s*** because it just is not the truth," he said.

Wanderers CEO John Tsatsimas said the criticism levelled at de Marigny is unusual and he's confident the players can differentiate between a passionate coach and excessive intimidation.

"It astounds me, these complaints. We're shadow boxing here," he said.

"I think we're dealing with a matter, with a player who isn't here.

"To isolate it to one particular person who is an assistant coach is rather unusual at this juncture.

"The (current) players are mature, they're professional. They've seen it all overseas and here so they'll be geared up and ready."

Babbel, who takes on a more passive role as head coach, said he likes having a strong assistant around and both support each other 100 per cent.

He believes the reports have emerged because of the club's losing streak, which threatens to be extended to six against Western United at Bankwest Stadium on Friday night.

In an attempt to clear the air ahead of the showdown, he has spoken to the playing group.

"I was talking (on Tuesday) to the boys and said we have to stick together, this is the most important thing is that we know what we want to do, that everyone is in the same boat," he said.

"We have to row in the same direction. We're very optimistic that the boys understand what I mean."

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