Struggles Mount for AS Saint-Étienne as Challenges Intensify

The journey back to Ligue 1 has been swift for Saint-Étienne. Relegated in 2022 to Ligue 2, the club took two seasons to climb back, securing their promotion in Spring 2024. However, their 2024/2025 season was disappointing, finishing in 17th place and failing to maintain their status in Ligue 1. Back in Ligue 2, Saint-Étienne remains ambitious and eager to return to the top tier. This summer, they invested €25 million, making significant signings including Joshua Duffus (Brighton), Mahmoud Jaber (Maccabi Haifa), Ebenezer Annan (Red Star), Strahinja Stojkovic (Red Star), Chico Lamba (Arouca), and João Ferreira (Watford). This is notable since the remaining 17 teams in the league collectively spent only €7.75 million, meaning over 76% of Ligue 2’s summer spending came from AS Saint-Étienne.

In addition to new arrivals, Saint-Étienne managed to keep its core players from Ligue 1. Key departures included Benjamin Bouchouari (Trabzonspor), Pierre Cornud (Maccabi Haifa), Ibrahim Sissoko (Bochum), Léo Pétrot (Elche), and Louis Mouton (Angers). However, crucial players like Gautier Larsonneur, Dylan Batubinsika, Michael Nadé, Florian Tardieu, and the attacking duo of Lucas Stassin and Zuriko Davitashvili remained. Despite offers exceeding €25 million for Stassin, both stayed determined to help the club get back to Ligue 1. Coach Eirik Horneland, who joined from Brann in December 2024, is committed to restoring the team’s top-flight status.

Saint-Étienne Struggles Continue

The season start was promising; after an initial 3-3 draw against Laval, Saint-Étienne quickly found its groove with 5 wins and 2 draws in the first 7 matches. Leading Ligue 2, they faced a setback against Guingamp on September 27 (2-3) but bounced back against Montpellier (2-0). However, since the October international break, the team has suffered defeats against promoted Le Mans (2-3) and Annecy (0-4). This heavy loss raised concerns, marking 3 losses in their last 4 matches and positioning them 4th, now 4 points behind current leaders ESTAC. Saint-Étienne urgently needs to regroup for their upcoming match against Pau (3rd) to stay in contention for direct promotion to Ligue 1.

Aware of the challenging situation, Eirik Horneland expressed in a press conference the need to regain momentum or risk slipping further: “It’s a negative feeling, it hurts. I feel ashamed, responsible for a very poor performance. It’s hard to explain this display. I didn’t see a team attacking this match with confidence and the right mindset. The players weren’t prepared. That red card symbolizes our poor approach. (…) We’re conceding goals we shouldn’t. This is a major issue that needs addressing; it’s unacceptable to concede so many in recent matches. We started this season well, but have lost our way in the last three matches.”

Expecting more from his players, the Norwegian coach also took responsibility: “Let’s be clear, when I talk about commitment, I’m not pointing fingers, just at myself. It’s my job to make sure this team finds its drive, produces interesting attacking play, and has solid defense. The pressure on the players? Yes, we are under pressure, and we’re struggling to cope. Playing for this club, particularly in Ligue 2 with ambitions of promotion, brings pressure; that’s normal. Our recent results don’t meet our ambitions, nor our expectations for this club. But I don’t want to hide behind my players’ lack of desire; it’s my job to ensure that isn’t a topic.” The message is clear: Saint-Étienne must present a stronger performance and quickly if they aim for promotion.