ASSE has decided to part ways with its coach, Olivier Dall’Oglio, this Saturday evening. Although he was the main architect of the Greens’ return to Ligue 1, the change of direction driven by the new management gradually weakened him.
The new leaders of Saint-Étienne are therefore preparing to make their first major sporting decision by appointing the coach of the Kilmer era. Several names are circulating, notably that of Zoumana Camara, mentioned by France Bleu Saint-Étienne, but two candidates seem to stand out: Eirik Horneland and Wilfried Nancy. Difficult to discern who is in pole position. What would be the best option for ASSE?
Profile and availability
The 49-year-old Norwegian, Eirik Horneland, has been head coach since the 2009/2010 season. Having started out managing the U18 and U19 teams in Norway, he recently resigned from his position, making him available without a transfer fee.
Wilfried Nancy, for his part, is under contract with the Columbus Crew until June 2026. To attract him, ASSE should negotiate with the MLS club and probably buy out the end of his contract.
Experience as a coach
Eirik Horneland has 264 matches as head coach (Haugesund, Rosenborg and Brann Bergen), accumulating solid experience in team management and professional coaching.
For his part, Wilfried Nancy, originally from Le Havre, managed 173 matches as head coach. Before that, he spent five years training young players in Montreal, followed by five seasons as an assistant at the same club.
Adaptation to the ASSE Kilmer project?
Eirik Horneland is recognized for having established a modern and attractive game within his teams. His reputation is well established in Norway and he wants to export his innovative concepts abroad. English-speaking and motivated to help his players progress through daring tactical strategies, he corresponds to the ideal profile sought by Kilmer Sport.
Wilfried Nancy, for his part, has proven himself in MLS with a very attractive style of play. Equipped with a competent staff and a constant desire for development, he is considered a coach in the making. Its integration into the Kilmer Sport project would also make a lot of sense.
Knowledge of French football
Eirik Horneland has only worked in his native Norway. Although he is an English speaker, he has no direct experience in France. However, he could count on the expertise of his assistant, Hassan El-Fakiri, who speaks French and played five years at AS Monaco (2000-2005).
On the other hand, Wilfried Nancy is French-speaking and born in France. Having played in the country before continuing his coaching career in MLS, he has a clear advantage in this area. However, according to Dauphiné Libéré, this aspect is secondary: “The coach does not necessarily have to know Ligue 1 but rather respond to the objective given by management: to maintain the club while developing the players and giving a playing identity to the team.”
These two profiles offer different but relevant perspectives for ASSE. The final decision may well depend on the club’s ability to adapt to their respective demands.
