I've read the last few posts and thought I'd bring some of my "Babou-expertise"
to answer some questions.
Concerning the fact that Brian has already worked with Laurent
Brian was being coached by Laurent when he became European champ and vice world champ in 2004. However there were several problems, some that lead to their split (according to Brian in his book):
- as
Medusa pointed out, they were far too "matey". Laurent frenquently spent time with Brian and his family while he was in Poitiers. Because of this Brian couldn't let off steam and speak frankly to his family (his Mum being his greatest support), but said what Laurent wanted to hear.
- During competitions, Laurent was always extremely nervous. Amthough Brian said that this wasn't all that much a problem, because of his own mental strength, I'm not sure Brian needs somebody all stressed out during the Olys.
- One thing that made their relationship particularly sour was the fact that when there was a victory, Laurent's attitude was "Yay!
We won" and when Brian didn't win it was "Brian what did
you do wrong?"
- The thing that directly lead to the federation sacking Laurent was the fact that he wasn't there all that often (Although Brian says he wasn't happy with it, he also blames de federation for not being honest financially with Laurent). To save his reputation , he claimed that Brian wasn't rigourous and was often late, although Brian claims that he was always on time and that Laurent was always late.
What the problem really seems to have been is that Laurent can be as bad-tempered as Brian, if not ten times worse, which as anybody can imagine is not necessarily a good thing, especially when Laurent loses his temper 5 metres away from Plushenko!
Concerning Didier Gailhaguet's attitidue
The first thing that can be said is that it's common lnowledge, especially after Didier's rant in front of the whole of the French press, that he wanted Brian to work with Brian Orser. He clearly believes that Brian should leave Poitiers if necessary. I do believe that he isn't completely against the idea of Brian working with Laurent again. And one must take note that it's not because Didier gave a press conference in which he more or less told Brian "get rid of JCS or else..." that their relationship isn't good. That's the way Didier has always spoken to Brian and they understand each other as they're both hot-heads. They're honest to each other.
Concerning Laurent and Tatiana's respective role
It would seem that Brian has no intention of changing the original plan, i.e: Laurent being his coach and Tatiana his choreographer. I do suspect however that Tatiana probably gives Brian some advice and that she'll probably, as well as Laurent, accompany him to the Olys (she is far more calm!)
As for my opinion on Brian's choices:
Concerning Laurent Depouilly:
I am rather sceptical for the reasons why they split. However, they have both had time to mature (Brian is definitly more mature since 2004), so maybe their collaboration will be better this time round. But still I've got the feeling that Brian chose Laurent with his brain and not his gut instinct, which is, when it comes to Brian never a good thing. I've got the feeling he chose Laurent out of rationnal logic (he was European champ with him and, until things went wrong, their relationship was rather good). However when Brian tries to be logical it rarely works (for example when he calculates how many points he needs to become world champ he either gets ssilver or gold or his choice in 04/05 to work with TT - I'll come back to her later). When he follows his gut instinct however, he gets things spot on: working with Kurt (he never saw him skate, he just had a feeling that they would do good work together), changing back to Matrix (eventually!) in 2006...
Saying that, Laurent was originaly a tempory choice, so if Brian decided to keep him on, then it probably means that things were going really well.
Concerning Tatiana Tarasova
Brian already worked with her in 04/05. The choreographies she did were beautiful and really brought out loads of Brians qualities. However, Brian didn't feel comfortable with them, he couldn't get them "under his skin". Also, her way of working wasn't ideal, as she'd do something and start all over again. However, I do have reasons to believe Tatiana is a good choice. Firstly, he trusts her and she adores him. There is no doubt that she is committed to enabling him to get gold. Secondly, as I've already said, she knows how to bring out Brian's artistic qualities. Thirdly, although the programs that she made for him in 04/05 didn't suite his personnality, Tatiana has had loads of time to think something up for him (she always has wanted to work with Brian again) and Brian has gained artistic maturity.
I definitly think that she should accompany Brian during big competitions, as I really believe that she can be of strong mental support.
