What is Horneland's new style of play?

Clément Pédron, Media365, published on Monday January 6, 2025 at 5:25 p.m.

On Saturday, AS Saint-Étienne won their first match against Reims (3-1) under new coach Eirik Horneland. The Norwegian launched the big maneuvers on and off the field.

Before this 16th day of Ligue 1 marked by the reception of the Stade de Reims, AS Saint-Étienne occupied last place in terms of ball possession (41.8%). At half-time against the Rémois, the Stéphanois raised the cursor (61%) before it landed at 53% at the end of a match won by ASSE (3-1). This change in philosophy is Eirik Horneland. The Norwegian took charge of the team on December 29 in place of Olivier Dall'Oglio who managed to bring Sainté back to the elite last season. And with the former player from Haugesund, the least we can say is that it's moving. You had to see him gesticulate, shout, even kick the advertising board from his bench during the match against the SDR to understand the volcanic energy of this Nordic technician. “I’m always like that and I think the players will have the opportunity to feel my energy,” smiled the former SK Brann coach.

Data, possession and an attacking style

But regardless of the passport of the person concerned, AS Saint-Étienne is transformed. The Greens had so far only scored twelve goals in fifteen games, they scored three in a single match. And this performance can be explained by the coach's new philosophy. Since his induction, Eirik Horneland has focused on attacking play, ball possession and intense pressing. According to the Team, the new coach would be a data buff and more. “He would time each workshop with precise guidelines: movement, intensity, dynamism, pressing, simplicity and also longer ball retention” according to the sports daily. “I was happy to see the players so relaxed on the pitch. They created a lot of situations, 1 vs 1, 2 vs 1, 3 vs 2, it allowed them to develop confidence and I think that's what this team needs the most, said Horneland after the game. It's really a story of conviction, I want to give them the feeling that they are capable. » A fan of 4-3-3, focused on work ethic and discipline, Eirik Horneland has successfully completed his baptism of fire. It now remains to extend the new dynamic.