Former Blackpool forward shares what life is like playing under ex-Manchester City and Arsenal defender

Armand Gnanduillet is still loving his football six years on from his Blackpool exit - and is learning plenty from his current coach.

The 34-year-old, who now plays for Stade Malherbe Caen in Ligue 3, was with the Seasiders between 2016 and 2020.

During his time in Tangerine, he bagged 43 goals and 11 assists in 145 appearances, alongside picking up a promotion to League One.

For his current club, he’s found the back of the net seven times in 38 outings since making the move in 2025.

At the end of last year, former Arsenal and Manchester City Premier League winner Gaël Clichy took over at the Stade Michel d'Ornano.

For Gnanduillet, this has proven to be an exciting opportunity, with the ex-France international having plenty to teach him.

“I’m a huge fan of football, so I’m just asking him questions every single day,” he said.

“I’m asking him - ‘How was (Cesc) Fabregas?’ ‘How was (Samir) Nasri?’

“I’m just asking him questions to know more about players and how I can still improve my game. The first question I asked him was about Thierry Henry.

“He’s just a good guy and answers all of the questions. He’s someone that wants to win as well.

“One thing in my career I’m very happy about is I had some managers who I saw playing when I was young. I had Teddy Teddy Sheringham at Stevenage, I played with Ian Evatt at Chesterfield, my manager at Leyton (Orient) was Kevin Nolan.

“Now, it’s Gaël Clichy, and I supported Arsenal in England. He came and gave an opportunity to everyone. Playing under him, I’ve got no words because he’s a good manager with good ideas, and as a human being he’s a good guy.

“He says he learnt football when he was 32 - when (Pep) Guardiola. He said he lived for football, and it’s what he’s tried to bring.”