We are halfway through the season of the Arkema Premier League championship. After eleven days, the ASSE players occupy 7th position in the ranking. Between highs and lows, this first part of the season marks an important turning point for the team since the arrival of Kilmer Sports Ventures.
Promoted at the end of the 2022-2023 season, the Stéphanoises have achieved their first objective: to maintain their position. Under the presidency of Ivan Gazidis, Saint-Étienne has great ambitions for the seasons to come. Last June, he confided to Le Progrès:
“I know the abilities of Huss (Fahmy) and Jaeson (Rosenfeld). They are football experts, and I know what they can bring to ASSE. […] The women's team at ASSE is one of the points on which we wish to progress. We will put the resources into it. »
For now, the main objective remains to once again ensure maintenance. With a squad renewed by the arrival of around ten players, the club has strengthened itself in all positions, banking on both youth, with Adèle Connesson, and experience, represented in particular by Easter Mayi Kith.
A promising start for ASSE
After an encouraging preparation, ASSE confirmed in the championship with three consecutive victories against Reims, Nantes and Paris FC. These nine points in three days allowed the Greens to quickly reach safety.
However, what followed was more complicated. A scathing defeat against Le Havre, although within their reach, marked a halt. Two additional days were necessary to regain victory, a laborious 3-2 against Fleury. The Stéphanoises led 3-0 before seeing their opponents dangerously come back to score.
The derby: a difficult shock to absorb
A few days later, the Vertes faced OL in a derby that was always special. Unfortunately, the gap between the two teams resulted in a heavy 11-0 defeat on the field. This failure served as a lesson, as Laurent Mortel explained:
“Without overwhelming them, we asked the girls to take their responsibilities. Even if the opponent has incomparable quality, there is a wound of pride. The only answer is to perform against our next opponent. »
The following match against Montpellier did not allow us to bounce back. However, a 2-0 victory against bottom Guingamp gave the team some momentum. During the last day against PSG, the Stéphanoises showed heart to Geoffroy-Guichard, although beaten 3-0.
The important winter transfer window for ASSE?
In December, ASSE announced its first recruits to strengthen the squad. Defender Marion Romanelli joined the team, followed by young Marie Dehri. With eight and twelve points ahead of Le Havre and Guingamp, the last two teams in the championship, the Vertes seem well on their way to achieving their main objective: maintenance. Seventh, they have five victories and six defeats. They are also the only ones not to have conceded a draw with Guingamp.
How will 2025 start?
The second part of the championship will resume on January 8 with the reception of Reims. A few days later, the Vertes will enter the competition in the Coupe de France, facing Olympique de Marseille.
Halfway through, ASSE displays a mixed record, but encouraging for a recently promoted team. Between moments of doubt and victories, the Stéphanoises are building their future while keeping maintenance as an immediate priority.
Photo credit: Allez_LesVertes
