18 Aug 2026 18:14:35
Wee bit of info from an associate who has recently worked at Rangers and Celtic. Guys a very highly regarded running coach from Glasgow. Anyone on here involved with Rangers recently will know who he is. Anyway the question was asked about Fernandez and his application of effort in training.
He responded by indicating that running wise Fernandez was a lost cause. Such a shame because he clearly has talent but if he wants to be the next Rio etc then he needs to put the effort in. Frustrating!
18 Aug 2026 18:36:29
Yes yes let's keep sprouting rumours about the lad that will fix his ongoing troubles. π΄
18 Aug 2026 18:47:44
Weird, the big man never looked like he had no application in the open training sessions I've seen.
18 Aug 2026 19:32:31
I think the bashing of Manny and Soapy is bordering a joke.
18 Aug 2026 19:39:46
This is nonsense. Emmanuel Fernandez consistently has more high intensity runs as a CB in most games than other CBs. The real issue is his body language and mannerisms make it look like he's lackadaisical.
If you don't believe, check it for yourself.
A quick Google search will tell you Emmanuel Fernandez has unusually high numbers for sprints/high intensity runs for a CB. So, to say he doesn't run in training just seems like a load of nonsense. The data is literally there to be seen.
18 Aug 2026 19:45:03
It's a every media outlet bash him, so his value does not rise. If he was at Celtic, he would be constantly get biged up.
18 Aug 2026 19:50:25
He needs a few games out of the starting lineup when Godfrey returns and some one to one coaching to get his confidence back up, not written off. He had a great spell last year under Rohl.
18 Aug 2026 19:58:17
Big Manny Fernandez absolutely has the talent to go far as long as he still has the attitude to improve. π€ Really like the look of Makhanya. π π¬π§
18 Aug 2026 20:21:15
Has talent - woeful attitude.
18 Aug 2026 20:23:07
Don't know what relevance the opinion of a guy who runs a coach for Rangers and Celtic has on Fernandez's performance.
18 Aug 2026 20:24:08
Otters, thank you for sharing information. π Some people never want to hear any negativity, but as a rumours site, I think it's great people post both positive and negative things they hear.
18 Aug 2026 20:39:18
Otters, I'm bewildered why you'd bring a rumour to a rumours site, mate.
18 Aug 2026 21:10:54
It's not actually a rumour though. It's a factual opinion from a highly experienced running coach. Just because you don't like it doesn't make it untrue. Choose to be offended/outraged etc. It's the world we live in! If you spent a few minutes reading what I said, then you should hopefully pick up on the fact that I stated that he needs to put the effort in.
If he does, then he clearly can go far. It's negative comments from ill-informed people that consistently put people off posting.
18 Aug 2026 21:19:16
Complete nonsense.
18 Aug 2026 21:26:44
Total nonsense regarding big Manny. Have you actually watched him train on a daily basis?
18 Aug 2026 21:46:41
Ayrshiremurphy
That's the word I'm looking for.
He looks lackadaisical.
18 Aug 2026 22:12:56
Running coaches are being adopted by a lot of clubs nowadays. However, it's typically focused on biometrics, with a view to injury prevention, and, ironically, the majority of the work they do is centred around stopping, or deceleration, to give it its fancy name.
One thing I can say for certain is that no player will play for DM if they aren't putting in the required effort.
18 Aug 2026 22:13:06
Not a part of what I posted is nonsense, but crack on.
I also didn't say I watched him train, so another pointless comment.
There is no rumour, as I stated, a fact, but yes, it's annoying that people feel the need to attempt to rubbish others for actually knowing stuff from behind the scenes.
What do I know, though, right? Laughable!
18 Aug 2026 22:28:24
EHL, if you use your contacts at the club, I'm sure that you will be advised that I'm no Walter Mitty. :)
18 Aug 2026 22:31:25
You didn't state a fact, though. You stated someone's opinion.
18 Aug 2026 22:39:23
Murphy, I stated that I was told something from a running coach who worked at Rangers and Celtic recently. That is the fact. His opinion is part of my post. Jeeso geez, peace.
18 Aug 2026 22:59:42
Otterspocket, I totally appreciate your post, my friend, and it's much appreciated you shared it with us on here. π Some are far too quick to try and rubbish other posters' info that they're prepared to share with one and all on here, mate. π€
18 Aug 2026 22:59:58
At the end of the day, Otter, I don't think people disbelieving the opinion of this running coach is an issue. As EHL has stated, Fernandez wouldn't be playing if DM thought the same (opinion), and as I've stated, the data (fact) doesn't back up a lack of effort on game day, which I will say doesn't disprove the opinion on him being a lost cause due to training effort.
And, the reason I'm highlighting it's opinion, not fact, is you then went on to say that people are rubbishing others "for actually knowing stuff from behind the scenes", well you don't in this situation as you've told it, you know somebody's opinion, not a fact, that he is a "lost cause" due to lack of effort.
If it were fact, none of us on here could challenge it, but as it's an opinion it's fair game to challenge it or disagree.
The demeanor of Fernandez makes him look like he's not trying; that doesn't mean he's not (my opinion). I, for one, choose to disbelieve it's a lack of effort, but your associate can believe their opinion as well. Choosing to disagree or not believe is not disrespectful, or an attack, or malicious. We're all entitled to an opinion, as has been said many, many times.
18 Aug 2026 23:06:50
Mate, Jesus wept, I was going to defend you until I read all that fact nonsense, which it 100% isn't. It's a 2nd hand rumour from you and the opinion of someone we don't know. π
18 Aug 2026 23:10:06
SWS, nobody is rubbishing that he was told this from what I can see, at least I know I'm not saying he wasn't told this. All that's being challenged is the opinion unless I'm reading things wrongly, which is quite possible.
Just wanted to post a stat on Fernandez and the perception of a lack of effort.
The average distance for top leagues is around 625m per 90 for high speed/high intensity runs.
Fernandez averages about 875m per 90. This is from StatsBomb, a data site, and provided by John Walker, who is a UEFA A coaching licence holder and analyst who works one to one with professional players. Easily checked by anyone who wants to on X.
18 Aug 2026 22:00:21
Wth is a factual opinion. I think we need the definition post brought back in of difference between fact, opinion and rumour lol.
I'd question why we have a running coach brought in when we have fitness coaches, first team coaches, set pieces coaches, what's next a sit on the bench coach. Not saying the so-called very highly regarded running coach didn't work for both Rangers and Celtic (I'm guessing freelance) but what I've provided as an argument is factual data from sites like fotmob stating he runs more and covers more distance than the majority of defenders. He breaks more lines with passes and wins the majority of his aerial duels. He's been making mistakes lately and looks a bit like either:
A. Head had been turned.
B. Something has caused him to lose focus like a personal issue.
C. He's lost confidence, that doesn't mean the guy isn't running lol.
Again I am not doubting what you've been told, but I'm doubting the opinion of this person considering the data that is easily available. For anyone that can't access the data looks up John Walker on X, he is another who points to the distance and intensity of runs that Fernandez covers. Google will tell you the same.
I'm sure AI will also tell you the same and AI doesn't have an emotion to alter its perception it works with the facts. At the end of the day I agree Fernandez needs dropped, possibly even sold but to slate his running is just nonsense and we can say the eye test Vs data argument but I'll raise you a confirmation bias and your eyes will see what you want them to see.
PS saying others are offended because they disagree is the forum equivalent of π£ on X when someone challenges a point or opinion.
18 Aug 2026 23:23:28
Manny just needs to be taken out of the firing line for a few weeks. That's all.
He'll come back into the team later in the season and perform a lot better.
Godfrey and Makhanya will play well together, I think.
18 Aug 2026 23:38:59
The post with the ABC options was written long before the other responses so disregard it please.
18 Aug 2026 23:55:18
Yup, both Rangers and Celtic must be wrong and should just ask AI to help them with biometrics and more importantly biomechanics. Imagine them paying a "freelance" to help when they could simply ask John Walker on X! Clearly, Man United etc are wasting their time with elite track and field coaches such as Harry Marra.
Your knowledge of athletics/running coaches is likely limited but look at actual top clubs in Europe.
Let's agree to disagree and I'm happy to concede that my interpretation of what is a fact misaligned with others.
I'd type more, explain my involvement in sport, who I know etc etc but quite frankly it's late and I can't be bothered.
Peace out.
19 Aug 2026 00:19:02
Maybe believing his own hype from a good run he had last season and getting bigged up, bit more concentration and do the basics right and he can get back on the right path.
One thing for sure, he knows he's off it like everyone else does and he must know he's heading for the bench, still got the tools to be one of our main men tho.
19 Aug 2026 00:46:55
Agree to disagree it is then, and yes, my knowledge on what they do is incredibly limited. I'd go as far as to say other than a quick search and what EHL said, I know next to nothing about that role. I am not debating that.
As I've said, Otter, I was not challenging whether or not that opinion was shared with you; I was merely challenging the validity of that opinion, as I have stated numerous times now, the data doesn't back it up.
So, whilst the mystery man can have his opinion, I'm simply saying we don't need to believe it. Even me providing a singular stat for a season average doesn't mean everyone then needs to believe his running is fine or above the average of top leagues.
Last thing I'll say on this thread is I didn't suggest asking John Walker or implementing AI for running, I pointed to both for the stats to offer a source rather than a "trust me bro" approach.
19 Aug 2026 06:42:37
Fernandez's issue, in my opinion, has nothing to do with his running form or his head being turned.
He excelled under Rohl (can't recall if he ever played under Martin) as the focus was on ball retention and controlling the tempo of the game.
DM has very little interest in ball retention, he wants the ball in the final third as quickly as possible, wants his defence high up the pitch, and wants forwards taking risks.
Which really doesn't suit Fernandez at all.
19 Aug 2026 07:59:42
DM has no option but to play him at the moment. Hopefully when Godfrey is back or another CB is signed it pushes him on.
19 Aug 2026 08:14:40
Fernanandez was terrible on Sunday, but he maybe can't help his face. Anyone old enough to remember Marco Negri when he scored 56 goals in 7 games will remember that he was not an enthusiastic looking fellow at all, looking like you don't give a s**** maybe doesn't mean you don't give a s****, but unfortunately for Fernandez, it's a bad look when you play like s****.
19 Aug 2026 10:38:07
Don't remember him being that prolific, Zungu. 56 goals in 7 games is some shift!