Get To Know: Laval
[This week "Get To Know" travels to Stade Lavalois of the French Second Division, whrere we get to know manager Kevin Klop]
GOMS: So, Kevin, you have been managing Laval for three years now. How do you think the team has done under your leadership?
KK: Well, the team has grown for sure, just not to what I had expected in the beginning. When I arrived at the club, some small changes needed to be made, especially on the midfield. I did not expect much that season. My goal has always been promotion, and in that perspective, the second season has been quite a disappointment. This season things are going better, but a promotion is far-fetched once again.
GOMS: With Laval heading towards their highest position, what changes do you think have led to your team reaching greater heights?
KK: First of all, individual growth. Our main man, Guillaume Deroff, has improved himself magnificently since I started here. I'm sad to report he is retiring at the end of the season. I hope we can keep him at the club in some other position. Second, transfers. Laval's midfield was....bad. The first transfer was Gary Kiely from ASBO, not the best midfielder, but fit for the job. The player that makes the team roll now is David Mowbray. He's brilliant. Quite a few teams have already enquired about him, but if he'd go, we'd have nothing left on the midfield. Combine that with two new defenders, and you have the formula. The problem however, remains on the transfer market. We are a rich club, but no one seems eager to get our money!
GOMS: You mention ASBO. Laval seem to have played several friendlies against them in the past. Is there a particular rivalry between the teams?
KK: Hmm, I'd not say it's a rivalry. It's more that I know the manager, Matthew Bradley. I must admit, though, I'm happy that Laval is, for the first time in 3 seasons, doing better than ASBO.
GOMS: As you say, ASBO are struggling this season, yet in the last game you drew 0-0 with them. Were you happy with the result or were you hoping for more?
KK: I was definitely hoping for more, but the draw is a logical consequence of our form lately. After a few good games, we seem not to be able to win anymore. It might have to do with players being tired, but our selection isn't that broad, so I do not have options. As it is, we now do not accept friendlies so as to give our players as much rest as possible.
GOMS: Finally, letting our interviewee head off on a scouting trip to watch Arsenal play, what are your plans for the future?
KK: I will finish this season, of course. What will happen after that I don't know. My contract ends this summer, and I have some offers [EXCLUSIVE!] from clubs in South America, Coritiba and Atlético Paranaense. This does not mean I'll never come back, though. I might stay, I might leave for Brazil, or I might switch to another European club. We'll see. All I can say is that I like it at Laval.
, went down to second on goal average. then won 2-1 away at Oviedo, gone top again 2 points over second and third.
