Jean Tigana

Jean Tigana (born 23 June 1955) is a former professional football player and manager. Quotes For me I don't like this [mid-table] position, because all the time in my career I was in the top three. When we were third I wasn't happy. Now that is not too bad for the players. But if we can finish around sixth position, it is good for the first year. Between sixth and tenth is a good position. 'I want the players that we have to progress. I don't want to sell and buy - no big movement. Look at the progress of Rufus Brevett and Andy Melville. Many players progress. That is my idea. Michael Owen. For me, he is a good player and deserves the European player of the year on merit. It's good for English football that he won. For me, he's a good example for the young player. He's a fantastic player and a good man. He wants to progress. If my son has the same attitude I'll be happy. If you come here to work it is not possible to go back to work in France. If you are not happy you take your bags and go. I am happy here, but if one day I'm not happy I take my bag and leave. Go back to my country. It's my philosophy. I don't like to shout if I'm not happy. You take your bag and leave. I had a first good feeling when Fulham people came to Cassis to speak with me. I don't know why because I refuse many clubs - in Spain, Italy [including Juventus, rumour has it] - all the time. In my head I say it is time to stop now. I was too frustrated after Monaco [who won the French championship while he was in charge there]. It was very difficult for me. I beat big teams with young players - David Trezeguet, Thierry Henry, Emmanuel Petit, Fabien Barthez - but in the end I needed to leave because they have someone to take my place and they kill me all the time.' He makes a stabbing motion. When they [the Fulham representatives] asked to speak to me I say, Why not? But I went to England the first time only for pleasure. When I arrive here at Craven Cottage, I don't know why but I say, Yes, this is my new club. For me, it's my heart that's first, If another club give me double my salary I still don't want to leave. My father [who died recently] said to me, "If you can eat breakfast in the morning, then lunch and dinner, you don't need more, more, more." That is my philosophy. I don't understand leaving somewhere to get more money in a different area. Money is not my motivation. Before it was matches, but they changed the quality and I don't like. I start [smoking] at age 11, so I smoke a lot, Lots of people smoke in France. When I arrive in football I was given my chance, so I stop smoking. I am from a bad area in Marseille. Very bad. No money, nothing. I am one of 10 children - five brothers, four sisters. My mother and father had a very small flat. Tigana points the way, March 10 2002 External links Category:1955 births Category:Living people Category:Football (soccer) coaches Category:Soccer players from France