Former Liverpool and Rangers defender Grégory Vignal has swapped the big stadiums of Britain and France for the Baltic shores, joining FC RFS as an assistant coach and performance specialist. In the latest episode of the Baltic Football Podcast, Vignal shared his impressions of football in Latvia, RFS’s ambitions, and his commitment to developing players capable of competing on bigger stages.
“I’ve been really surprised,” Vignal admitted when asked about the level of Latvian and Baltic football. “I see some really good players and good structures. Of course, it’s not England, but the way everybody is working here is really good.”
While praising the technical quality he’s found in the Virslīga, Vignal identifies physicality and game speed as areas ripe for improvement. “At high level, it’s speed and technique. Without technique, you cannot change the game at all. And physically, when you play in Europe, it’s always tough,” he explained. “But I also believe you have to keep your DNA and culture. You can always develop young players to become stronger and more physical.”
Since joining RFS five months ago, Vignal has thrown himself into coaching sessions that emphasize intensity and precision. “Every time I’m on the pitch, it’s 100%,” he said. “Speed and technique — that’s my focus. It’s not about doing 25 minutes of exercises. If you do 10 or 12 minutes at the right intensity, with the right habits, that’s perfect.”
Vignal credits his football philosophy to his formative years at Liverpool. “That’s where I learned everything. Being around top managers, staff, and players like Michael Owen, Steven Gerrard, Jari Litmanen — they showed me the way. It was all about professionalism and a winning mentality.”
That mentality is something Vignal is determined to instill at RFS. “In clubs like Liverpool and Rangers, the fans demand trophies year after year. It’s a no-excuses mentality. Never complain. Everything is in place for you — the gym, physios, nutrition. So just get on with it and perform.”
Off the pitch, Vignal has embraced life in Latvia. “Riga is a beautiful city. People are really open and friendly. And the food is amazing,” he laughed. But his main mission remains clear: driving RFS to compete both domestically and in Europe. “Every time I see RFS playing, I just want to see the club winning games and trophies.”
With European qualifiers underway and a tight domestic title race unfolding, Vignal’s blend of elite-level experience and relentless standards could be exactly what RFS needs.
