General Yuzuru Chat

[Paskud]

7 hours ago, Fay said:

I already have!

 

 

 

Brian, if you really have enough of Yuzuru and can't handle everything that surrounds him, then give him full time to Grishlain officially and that's it.

Grishlain at least is enthusiastic and supportive about Yuzuru, instead of his competitiors.

[Umebachi]

I want to give a shout-out and a million cheers to Brian, who has been and continues to be the force that put the TCC team together and the glue that keeps it together.  He embodies emotional intelligence and  decency - which is in short supply throughout the world, not just in figure skating - and I think his presence continues to define the spirit and culture of teamwork that pervades TCC.  Having worked in many so-called "high-level/elite" teams (sadly, mostly dysfunctional), I have learned that it's not the IQ smarts, resourcefulness or educational credentials that make good leaders, but emotional intelligence and that strong core ("zubutoi" in Japanese) sense of fairness and integrity that sets apart great leaders.  And that individual leadership does make a huge difference, because as human species we are highly socially attuned and an egotistical or wishy-washy personality can ruin a team overnight that had worked well together for years.  Brian is the glue that holds the TCC team together and creates the atmosphere of collegiality, teamwork and support.   

 

But that doesn't mean that it makes him a good communicator or spokesperson for Yuzu.  To this day, I don't think he "gets" Yuzu - partly because of language barrier and the reticence (and inability) of Japanese men to express their points of view especially in a foreign language.  Much more than language barrier, my sense is that Yuzu has a very different approach to problem-solving and it seems Brian isn't attuned to it very well.  Yuzu is a highly quantitative thinker and a geek, which makes him bond very well with Ghislain and he probably feels more comfortable relating with Ghislain during competition.  Brian is probably a more touchy-feely guy and unable to keep up with the Geekiness of Yuzu and Ghizlain.   (I can relate because I am quite geeky, love math and complex analysis - which leaves my sister out in the cold as she just can't relate and she just tunes out.  We are grown adults but this mismatch in energy still leads to sibling arguments and huffiness.)  Ghislain's interview around GPF19 reveals a lot about his technocratic approach to skating, which few people can understand except for Yuzu.   Another issue I see is that Yuzu is a complex thinker, and has multiple points of view on many issues involving subtle nuances - which he is unable to convey in English to Brian.  Perhaps Tracy intuits his emotional shades better than Brian, but it's still not the same thing as being able to parse out and work through various angles on an issue. Ghislain can do that with one aspect of Yuzu's brain, but I don't think he can cover all angles.  Because Yuzu's mind flits so quickly through many phases - which he doesn't communicate - Brian is often left in a blind spot and he appears at times to be behind the curve.  Yet he is a kind and patient man, and he does not get angry or frustrated by being left out - and he solidly continues to support Yuzu with unconditional love.  Any other egotistical man would have given way to his irritation and it would have ruined their relationship.  I am sure Yuzu appreciates Brian's patience and forbearance- because I bet Yuzu can be a pain in the neck (which he seems to be with his family) - and it takes a close-knit and resilient team to be able to support him.  Yuzu, more than anyone else, should realize that there will be no TCC team without Brian. 

 

Some additional personal reflections: 
 

Spoiler

Yuzu also has a large team from Japan supporting him - and this side of his "team" is very private and never discussed on media.  A few years back there was some discussion about the role played by his mother as his "manager", but Yuzu himself seems to have full control over this team - his mother also keeps him grounded and I suspect he gets scolded by her on occasion.  This team probably deals with non-skating aspects of his life and not directly involved with TCC - partly because of language but also because they handle different aspects of Yuzu's public life.   

 

Since winning his second OGM, Yuzu appears to have become even more independent (and possibly more remote) from Brian?  Yuzu needs him less for his daily training, and with a large non-TCC team to support him, he appears to have become too comfortable with the TCC life?  Skaters at TCC have remarked how private he is and after so many years at the club he still does not mingle socially.  Once this pattern sets up, it's hard to break.   Yuzu is now experienced enough to be his own manager and is getting used to making decisions without asking others for advice or permission.  But this is a slippery slope - it's critical at this stage in his development that he doesn't isolate himself too much. He is a celebrity and just as vulnerable as any other celebrity in becoming too comfortable living in a cocoon/bubble.  TCC provides a safe haven thanks to Brian, but he needs someone to break through this shell to avoid complacency.  I don't mean in competitive terms because ofc he is never complacent on ice, but in terms of his social interactions where he is prone to self-isolate.  He needs someone who is willing to yell at him and bash him over his head (not literally).   I am sure his family challenges him, but as a grown man he would benefit from an outsider doing the shaking.   

 

 

[Katt]

I thing hate is a strong word and just because I disagree with Brian alot of times, it doesn't mean I hate him. i think some people upset with some of his PR because whether you want it or not, its a part of the game right now. And Brian did a wonderful pr game at Olys so it make sense that people expect it again and got disappointed. I said mutiples times that I like TCC coaching method but it doesn't mean I like everything they did and all of their skaters. I don't like Eteri's team but I can't deny they're master of milking the system and there's a few thing they do well. I have problem with some team TCC/Eteri stan, act like TCC/Eteri team is the best and could do no wrong, if you say something against them, you're anti.

 

As for Brian, I think he is a nice person and a great coach . I appreciate that he and TCC team create a great enviroment and dynamic between skaters from all over the worlds because its not easy. We see how things went wrong with Eunsoo/Mariah. I love Yuzuru, but I have to admit, coaching him is gonna be a nightmare for me. While TCC let skaters to decide thing for themselves, its different when coach has a little say when its come to their student skating. Yuzuru choose his music, have a final say for the music cut, decide his layout and jump entries, costume.... and I think he even take part in arranging his training. When I see Yuzuru's perfomances nowadays, I can only see "him" because his touch is everywhere, while if its Javi, Evgenia I can see the coaching team and choreographer's hand in their style/program (Its even more obvious when you see Eteri skaters).  When Yuzuru decide to continue to compete in 2018, Brian ask him something like what's his role and I still wonder about  it. I think its harder for Brian because he's like a general manager and cover more parts in his student's skating while its more about jump with Ghislain and SS with Tracy. I still believe TCC is the only coaching team that support Yuzuru to do whatever he want like that for almost 8 years. I can't imagine Raf, Eteri would allow that.

 

About the GPF thing, I guess he's too upset since he brought it once again. Understandable because everyone would be mad if their insta filled with hate comments. I hope he know that posting the pic is not a right way to dispel the rumor. It only make things worse. Idk but sometime Brian's interview sound abit tone deaf to me, not sure if its because of translation (Eng->Rus/JPN->Eng). The communication issue make me worried because it lead to Boston nightmare and Yuna's ugly spilt. At competition, the dynamic between Yuzuru and Brian is still fine. Again I can only hope if Yuzuru's not ok with anything, he would speak up. At least  its good that there's Ghislain and Tracy behind the boards now. 

 

 

  

[Sombreuil]

Brian seems to find an easier rapport with the sociable types who are probably more like he is himself in personality (JF).   I don’t think this actually matters very much, since for the most part it doesn’t seem to cause a problem at the boards and the k&c and Yuzuru seems to get what he needs from it.   

 

I could do without what comes across to me as the repeated implied criticism of Yuzuru’s lifestyle- I have to do a lot of work related socialising which doesn’t come naturally to me and it really annoys me when the naturally sociable and outgoing get credit for having a ‘healthy’ attitude to life when for the most part it’s really just their personality type, not something they have somehow consciously decided to do.  Tracy and Ghislain don’t seem to feel the need to talk about this aspect of their students lives.
 

 When it comes to the control Yuzuru has over his skating, when they have disagreed in the recent past Brian has said himself that he has on occasion been less clear sighted than Yuzuru about the direction they should take, over the 4loop for example.

 

I can imagine that Brian feels a bit put out about the mess at GPF but the professional response in my view would be to take his own advice and not look at social media, and not rise to the bait in interviews.

 

Given all the media pressure he has it seems very understandable to me that Yuzuru should give himself a barrier against all that, a buffer from all the expectation and criticism.  

 

That said, TCC has worked well for him and I’m very glad he decided to go there - the group coaching situation seems to work really well.  I imagine they all have different things to offer each skater, and encouraging them to take responsibility for their own careers is good.  

 

[KatjaThera]

I'm not saying we have to agree with everything Brian says or that everything he says and does is perfect and correct and he can do no wrong. But lately, no matter what he says, people always find something to be offended or upset by and it's getting tiring. It's like everyone is looking for proof that Brian just doesn't like Yuzu and doesn't care about Yuzu and he, like the rest of the world is out to get Yuzu. Even this interview, it's very interesting and the details about TCC's approach to coaching is great IMO, and Brian does praise all his students in it, but all some are focusing on is that he mentioned the Nathan and Yuzu rivalry. So what if he did? It does exist. Even if it's fake and only exists because of the judging, it does exist. And Nathan is a great skater. Not great enough to be Yuzu's rival, at least yet, but still. Brian isn't telling lies, he's just withholding some of the truth. It's his style, he's never complained about scoring and judges. He was quite put-off when Javi complained about it at Euros in 2019, too. So it's not like he's just refusing to defend Yuzu, like some are trying to make it seem. It's just his take on things. Yuzu is an adult, if he feels like complaining, he can do it himself. In his very discreet, very polite and, at times, very cheeky way, he already has. Brian won't. I'm sure Yuzu knows that already and he probably prefers to comment on judging in his own way than to have Brian go off on it, anyway. Also, imagine what would happen if Brian would one day start complaining and then his students would suffer consequences for it. He'd get crucified all over again.

 

I'm also not entirely sure why people seem so convinced that Brian praising Yuzu to the media would count much. If the ISU is really as anti-Yuzu as many think, Brian could start the Church of Hanyu and it wouldn't change anything. If judges are simply incompetent, it also won't change anything, because it won't suddenly make them competent. And I'm also quite sure that Yuzu wouldn't like getting extra points just because his coach told the world how awesome he is. Which, by the way, he actually does do. And while Yuzu is one of the best spinners, most fans agree there are better ones, so, yes, his spins can get better. And we all joke about him never practicing spins at competitions and we're all marveled when he does, so it's not like we're not aware of it. If we're aware of it, so are most people in the business - if they care; and if they don't care, they won't care if Brian starts saying Yuzu's the best spinner in the world, either. Just IMO. Nathan isn't at the top because of media exposure. It's because of fed influence. The media just fits the fed influence, to make it appear to make sense to the unknowledgeable public. That public doesn't really matter. People who know Yuzu's true worth are far more numerous anyway. Brian's propaganda would be worth nothing without fed influence and even if JSF suddenly became pro Yuzu, they wouldn't have the power to fight of US fed. So it's pointless. I'd rather they all stay true to themselves and their principles.

 

Quickly addressing the comments about Yuzu's lifestyle, I don't think Brian has issues with it, per se. I suspect he is probably somewhat baffled by it, because while it's not strange by Asian standards, it's not a common thing by Western standards. But more so, I think it might remind him of the Yuna situation. And as back then, Brian seemed to feel that the real problem came from Yuna's mom and her influence on Yuna, he's probably a bit put-off by having another top skater with the same arrangement. Maybe it's subconscious, but in a way, it'd be natural. I'm sure the whole Yuna situation was probably traumatic for him and I'm sure Yuzu has given him many Yuna flashbacks over time. This might be why he's slightly fixated on that and he keeps mentioning it. But I doubt he has any serious issues with it. It obviously works for Yuzu and I think it's one of those individualities he and the whole team respect. As long as they don't try to drag Yuzu out or tease him about his lifestyle, I think just mentioning it is fine. I think by now they have all accepted that's just who he is and how he is and they respect his choice and leave him alone.

 

Which brings me to understanding. While I suspect there are parts of Yuzu that Brian still doesn't really understand because of the language barrier, I also think he understands more than we think and definitely more than we do. I also think Yuzu understands Brian very well and is very aware of his shortcomings - as his comment about Brian sometimes speaking without thinking proves. I think by now Yuzu also knows that he has to be straightforward to get what he wants and what he needs from his coaching team. And I think he often is straightforward and we can see that in the KnC moments. It's somewhat un-Japanese yes. But has there ever been any Japanese skater previously discussing judging issues - even jokingly - in the KnC with their coach? Yuzu has done it twice this season. It's obvious he's quite open and direct with his coaches now. I'm sure the GPF issue was a miscommunication. I can imagine a scenario like Yuzu asking Ghislain if he was free to join him, Ghislain saying sure, Yuzu saying ok, I'll ask them to get you the accreditation and then asking his team to handle the rest and along the line, someone forgot to inform Brian, or everyone thought someone else would do it, while Yuzu just focused on the competition and then Ghislain probably telling Brian the day before that he was getting ready for Turin and Brian being all ???, hence awkwardness. I also think Brian is probably still upset because he might not have discussed the issue with Yuzu. After GPF, they had JNats soon after, and it was more important for Yuzu to focus on that than to discuss details like that, especially since in the end, the practices and everything between them was normal. Then JNats happened and Yuzu needed a break and then preparing for the next step was more important, and then training for 4cc and then preparing for Worlds. I suspect they might not discuss all of that until after Worlds or whenever they'll have their big talk about future plans. And I think that is to allow Yuzu to focus on the important stuff, while they do everything just as normal. But they will probably have an open conversation, to understand where the miscommunication was, why and how to make not happen again, as soon as they can. Or at least I hope they will.

 

Anyway, I agree that Brian can appear tone deaf at times - Boston and the Denis Ten incident was the one that annoyed me the most, tbh - but I think even then, he usually means well, he's just probably not the best at communicating. But as long as he comes through when it matters and is always by his skaters' side and support them in their decisions - even when he might not agree with them, see 4Lo and 4Lz - I can forgive that. To me that counts much more than what he says and doesn't say. People nowadays just seem to focus only on the negative and, as Brian often says, that's bad energy.

[airi]

25 minutes ago, KatjaThera said:

I'm not saying we have to agree with everything Brian says or that everything he says and does is perfect and correct and he can do no wrong. But lately, no matter what he says, people always find something to be offended or upset by and it's getting tiring. It's like everyone is looking for proof that Brian just doesn't like Yuzu and doesn't care about Yuzu and he, like the rest of the world is out to get Yuzu. Even this interview, it's very interesting and the details about TCC's approach to coaching is great IMO, and Brian does praise all his students in it, but all some are focusing on is that he mentioned the Nathan and Yuzu rivalry. So what if he did? It does exist. Even if it's fake and only exists because of the judging, it does exist. And Nathan is a great skater. Not great enough to be Yuzu's rival, at least yet, but still. Brian isn't telling lies, he's just withholding some of the truth. It's his style, he's never complained about scoring and judges. He was quite put-off when Javi complained about it at Euros in 2019, too. So it's not like he's just refusing to defend Yuzu, like some are trying to make it seem. It's just his take on things. Yuzu is an adult, if he feels like complaining, he can do it himself. In his very discreet, very polite and, at times, very cheeky way, he already has. Brian won't. I'm sure Yuzu knows that already and he probably prefers to comment on judging in his own way than to have Brian go off on it, anyway. Also, imagine what would happen if Brian would one day start complaining and then his students would suffer consequences for it. He'd get crucified all over again.

 

I'm also not entirely sure why people seem so convinced that Brian praising Yuzu to the media would count much. If the ISU is really as anti-Yuzu as many think, Brian could start the Church of Hanyu and it wouldn't change anything. If judges are simply incompetent, it also won't change anything, because it won't suddenly make them competent. And I'm also quite sure that Yuzu wouldn't like getting extra points just because his coach told the world how awesome he is. Which, by the way, he actually does do. And while Yuzu is one of the best spinners, most fans agree there are better ones, so, yes, his spins can get better. And we all joke about him never practicing spins at competitions and we're all marveled when he does, so it's not like we're not aware of it. If we're aware of it, so are most people in the business - if they care; and if they don't care, they won't care if Brian starts saying Yuzu's the best spinner in the world, either. Just IMO. Nathan isn't at the top because of media exposure. It's because of fed influence. The media just fits the fed influence, to make it appear to make sense to the unknowledgeable public. That public doesn't really matter. People who know Yuzu's true worth are far more numerous anyway. Brian's propaganda would be worth nothing without fed influence and even if JSF suddenly became pro Yuzu, they wouldn't have the power to fight of US fed. So it's pointless. I'd rather they all stay true to themselves and their principles.

 

Quickly addressing the comments about Yuzu's lifestyle, I don't think Brian has issues with it, per se. I suspect he is probably somewhat baffled by it, because while it's not strange by Asian standards, it's not a common thing by Western standards. But more so, I think it might remind him of the Yuna situation. And as back then, Brian seemed to feel that the real problem came from Yuna's mom and her influence on Yuna, he's probably a bit put-off by having another top skater with the same arrangement. Maybe it's subconscious, but in a way, it'd be natural. I'm sure the whole Yuna situation was probably traumatic for him and I'm sure Yuzu has given him many Yuna flashbacks over time. This might be why he's slightly fixated on that and he keeps mentioning it. But I doubt he has any serious issues with it. It obviously works for Yuzu and I think it's one of those individualities he and the whole team respect. As long as they don't try to drag Yuzu out or tease him about his lifestyle, I think just mentioning it is fine. I think by now they have all accepted that's just who he is and how he is and they respect his choice and leave him alone.

 

Which brings me to understanding. While I suspect there are parts of Yuzu that Brian still doesn't really understand because of the language barrier, I also think he understands more than we think and definitely more than we do. I also think Yuzu understands Brian very well and is very aware of his shortcomings - as his comment about Brian sometimes speaking without thinking proves. I think by now Yuzu also knows that he has to be straightforward to get what he wants and what he needs from his coaching team. And I think he often is straightforward and we can see that in the KnC moments. It's somewhat un-Japanese yes. But has there ever been any Japanese skater previously discussing judging issues - even jokingly - in the KnC with their coach? Yuzu has done it twice this season. It's obvious he's quite open and direct with his coaches now. I'm sure the GPF issue was a miscommunication. I can imagine a scenario like Yuzu asking Ghislain if he was free to join him, Ghislain saying sure, Yuzu saying ok, I'll ask them to get you the accreditation and then asking his team to handle the rest and along the line, someone forgot to inform Brian, or everyone thought someone else would do it, while Yuzu just focused on the competition and then Ghislain probably telling Brian the day before that he was getting ready for Turin and Brian being all ???, hence awkwardness. I also think Brian is probably still upset because he might not have discussed the issue with Yuzu. After GPF, they had JNats soon after, and it was more important for Yuzu to focus on that than to discuss details like that, especially since in the end, the practices and everything between them was normal. Then JNats happened and Yuzu needed a break and then preparing for the next step was more important, and then training for 4cc and then preparing for Worlds. I suspect they might not discuss all of that until after Worlds or whenever they'll have their big talk about future plans. And I think that is to allow Yuzu to focus on the important stuff, while they do everything just as normal. But they will probably have an open conversation, to understand where the miscommunication was, why and how to make not happen again, as soon as they can. Or at least I hope they will.

 

Anyway, I agree that Brian can appear tone deaf at times - Boston and the Denis Ten incident was the one that annoyed me the most, tbh - but I think even then, he usually means well, he's just probably not the best at communicating. But as long as he comes through when it matters and is always by his skaters' side and support them in their decisions - even when he might not agree with them, see 4Lo and 4Lz - I can forgive that. To me that counts much more than what he says and doesn't say. People nowadays just seem to focus only on the negative and, as Brian often says, that's bad energy.

Thank you, most of your comments always seem to be exactly what I'm thinking. I'm also very tired of that "everyone is trying to get Yuzu", including "Brian is doing wrong and not praising Yuzu and praising his rivals", ugh like people really just will complain about everything anyone says or doesn't say... No one have to agree all the time, but it's getting ridiculous. Brian can do no right for some people.

[Paskud]

1 hour ago, KatjaThera said:

I'm also not entirely sure why people seem so convinced that Brian praising Yuzu to the media would count much. If the ISU is really as anti-Yuzu as many think, Brian could start the Church of Hanyu and it wouldn't change anything. If judges are simply incompetent, it also won't change anything, because it won't suddenly make them competent. And I'm also quite sure that Yuzu wouldn't like getting extra points just because his coach told the world how awesome he is. Which, by the way, he actually does do. And while Yuzu is one of the best spinners, most fans agree there are better ones, so, yes, his spins can get better. And we all joke about him never practicing spins at competitions and we're all marveled when he does, so it's not like we're not aware of it. If we're aware of it, so are most people in the business - if they care; and if they don't care, they won't care if Brian starts saying Yuzu's the best spinner in the world, either. Just IMO. Nathan isn't at the top because of media exposure. It's because of fed influence. The media just fits the fed influence, to make it appear to make sense to the unknowledgeable public. That public doesn't really matter. People who know Yuzu's true worth are far more numerous anyway. Brian's propaganda would be worth nothing without fed influence and even if JSF suddenly became pro Yuzu, they wouldn't have the power to fight of US fed. So it's pointless. I'd rather they all stay true to themselves and their principles.

What is wrong in a coach praising his skater? His best skater. Two Time Olympic Champion.

That's exactly what coach is supposed to do, when he talks to media.

And he not needed to bring Nathan here. He was talking about Yuzuru's popularity and then proceeded to praise Nathan. Again.

[shanshani]

these are my feelings about Brian drama:

Spoiler

nothing!

 

honestly, I don't get why people are so fixated on what he does. must be a sign that we're all going mad due to lack of Yuzu content. I mean, I stayed up until 4am watching juniors. Juniors! I am going insane, I tell you

[Katt]

Its natural that people like to hear praising more, and people would focus and talk about negative thing more. Just like Brian and most people only remember hate comments in his igs, I followed that post closely and there's also lots of polite comment with genuine concern, or apologize him. But if I'm in his shoes I think negative one would affect me more. Its normal how people react to infomation nowaways. The more you speak to press, the more you would be criticized. Who knows, if Ghislain or Tracy give more interview, people would find alot more thing to be mad. But so far, they did well in general. For me I like how all Ghislain's interviews are mostly focus on Yuzuru, not putting him in comparision with anyone. 

 

As I said before, even if I'm disagree with Brian alots of time, I appreciate what he's done for Yuzuru and skating world. I love the part about him saying about Yuzuru has his own vision of matching music. I remember I really impressed about Brian admit Yuzuru's right about 4lo after GPF16, I don't think its easy to say that publicity when he was against the layout at the beginning of the season. I won't comment on the ISU awards things, how Yuzuru should get this or that because I simply dislike it. As for life style's comment, I think its fine, although in the past  because of his intervew, lots of people mocked Yuzuru for living with his mother and how he should be like Javi etc (yeah, some even come from his "fans"), luckily, it kinda stop since Evegnia move to Toronto with her mother, and Jason with his family.  

 

 I've said enough about GPF situation. I don't think its something too serious or I need to know how they communicate in details.I just feel Brian/TCC could handle better, and maybe also from Yuzuru's side. They went through even more difficult period, their bond won't break because of this. I never think Brian is against Yuzuru or anything like that. He clearly respect Yuzuru and try his best to support him. Brian is a human, he can like this student abit more and its normal, just like how Ghislain clicked with Yuzuru better and I'm sure they all professional when its come to traning and skater's career. 

 

To sum up, every time an interview from Brian come up, I feel abit tired because half of people try to overanalyze his words and the other half try to defend him at all cost.  I find this interview is fine, and the part made me roll my eyes is not about Yuzuru.

[mmmrazorz]

Well, being a great coach doesn't automatically make him a great pr person. I mean the interviewer didn't even ask him about gpf and majority already forgot about that so why he need ro revisit that. If he's so concerned about what random people on instagram said, he should seek professional help imho do not whine to the press..It does seem like he's bitter that yuzu chose Ghislain over him. It makes people wonder maybe their communication within the team wasn't that great..

[watermelonda]

Honestly I think all this speculation about Brian and Yuzuru and the coaching team is pointless. Yuzuru knows what he is doing and if he was upset he would find a way to make the changes that he wants to see. As fans, it's not really our place to dissect everything Brian says and does and make opinions on it. I think we should just try to be as positive as possible and support Yuzuru by not placing pressure on his coaches/team. Saying that there does seem to be proof that he lurks, I don't think it would make him happy to see us gossiping about all of this. 

[azelais]

1 hour ago, watermelonda said:

Honestly I think all this speculation about Brian and Yuzuru and the coaching team is pointless. Yuzuru knows what he is doing and if he was upset he would find a way to make the changes that he wants to see. As fans, it's not really our place to dissect everything Brian says and does and make opinions on it. I think we should just try to be as positive as possible and support Yuzuru by not placing pressure on his coaches/team. Saying that there does seem to be proof that he lurks, I don't think it would make him happy to see us gossiping about all of this. 

Proof that who lurks? Yuzu? What kind of proof? :o

[KatjaThera]

6 hours ago, mmmrazorz said:

Well, being a great coach doesn't automatically make him a great pr person. I mean the interviewer didn't even ask him about gpf and majority already forgot about that so why he need ro revisit that. If he's so concerned about what random people on instagram said, he should seek professional help imho do not whine to the press..It does seem like he's bitter that yuzu chose Ghislain over him. It makes people wonder maybe their communication within the team wasn't that great..

Personally, if there was a business trip that happened pretty much every year and that I usually accompanied another co-worker on and then found out from another co-worker that this time he was chosen to go and not me, I'd feel pretty upset. And insulted that nobody thought I was worth informing. Of course, if I were close to the first co-worker, I'd also be hurt, because it's natural, when someone gets chosen over you, without any explanation. But that's not really the biggest issue. If none of the other stuff had happened, I'm sure Brian would find it much easier to accept Yuzu choosing Ghislain. If Yuzu had told him why in person, if he'd been informed of the decision as soon as it was taken, if the Ghislain passport mess hadn't happened and if fans hadn't attacked Brian like they did, it would have been more of an "oh, well" moment.

 

On top of that, Brian has gone through things like this before with Yuna. When she and her team made decisions and Brian had to learn of them from other sources. In that case it was even worse, as he learned from the media, but by any standards, it's unacceptable that your main coach doesn't hear of your decisions from you. I wouldn't be surprised if Yuzu expected JSF to inform both coaches and JSF thought Yuzu would inform them and the mess happened. Like I said, I think they haven't properly ironed this out yet, because Yuzu has more important things to focus on now, but hopefully they will after this season ends and/or before the next one begins.

 

And really, online bullying is a reality. You can't dismiss it as "being concerned about what random people said". He tries and he has always advised his students not to look at online comments - something Yuzu himself ignores, as he has admitted he reads what is being said about him online and is aware of the hate he gets; maybe he should never mention that, either? Even though it's very real and very vicious and you seriously need very thick skin not to be affected by it - but I guess this time he looked because his intention with posting that picture was to calm things down and probably wanted to check if it worked. I also suspect he got DMs as well and those were probably worse and they might have all blended in.

 

Yuzu and Brian's communication in the things that really matter - training - seems fine. Everything else is peripheral and not as important, but I do hope they will clear that up as well. If Yuzu has any issues with Brian, he can address them himself, to be honest. He's straightforward enough to do that and he is an adult. He doesn't need fans fighting all his battles for him.

 

2 hours ago, azelais said:

Proof that who lurks? Yuzu? What kind of proof? :o

We don't really have proof that Yuzu lurks here, but he has pretty much said he does read twitter - probably especially Japanese twitter - and is aware of fans watching FS online internationally and is probably more aware of what fans say and do than we expect him to. Generally, he seems to know everything there is to know, FS related - and actually not really, he always seems very tuned in to current worldwide affairs, too - from fandom stuff to other disciplines, including juniors.

[IULIANA]

Just my two cents on the Brian s interview matter - it is quite unbelieveble that the main coach had no clue regarding the logistics toward the most important event of the year i.e. GPF,  thus i will not buy the  ``I didnt know I was not going`` stuff. Then, revisiting the subject without being asked is also stunning. And as  for the supporters of the ``he is a coach, not a PR expert`` does not stand, FS is a reputational sport, PR is pretty much a must in the business and Orser proved many times he handles it brilliantly, so being clumbsy at times means either he does it o purpose (I really dont know what that is!), or he  is just tired, as he repeatly admitted lately, he really needs a vacation, and got fed up with the whole shaban. And last but not least, mentioning Chen is a big mistake, never PR your oponent, even a bad PR is better than a secure and superior silence. Just dont bring him up, at least for the sake of numerous and repeated mentions of your student-champion name every time your oponent sniffs on ig or a commentator makes tht parallel wih no connection, just to prop Chen as Yuzuru`s equal. There! I let this out of my chest! Dont throw your stones too hard on me!

[amylance1215]

OT, the Yuzuru award continues with POTO and Masquerade 

Back to topic, personally I think BO is more of the emotional type and tends to speak from emotions. So sometimes it can come across as a bit thoughtless. The GPF issue probably has not been talked out like some already suggested and he felt a bit pent up and let it slip. It was not a smart move but not such a big deal either.

Even so I think he treasures Yuzu and they have a generally close and good relationship. I doubt he would intentionally do or say anything that would harm Yuzu, or any of his students. For all his love and dedication toward his work, he deserves some benefit of the doubt. Let's cut him some slack and show more appreciation instead. Positive energy is gravely needed in this sport.