A dramatic data falls after Rennes

The AS Saint-Étienne defense is currently going through an extremely worrying period, posting defensive statistics that are among the worst in the five major European championships. After the heavy 5-0 defeat suffered in Rennesthe figures are clear: the Greens collect on average 2.31 goals per matchplacing them 6th worst in European defenses. Outside, the results are even more alarming with an average of 3.57 goals conceded per matchlifting them to first place among the most vulnerable defenses far from their bases.

A worrying defensive bankruptcy

Beyond the goals conceded, ASSE also conceded 7 penalties this seasona record in Europe shared with clubs like Brest, Alavés or Las Palmas. This statistic raises questions about the quality of Saint-Etienne defenders. The lack of certainty of the full-backs contributes to this imbalance, but it is above all the central axis which worries, notably with the difficulties encountered by Yunis Abdelhamid, supposed to bring experience to the rearguard.

Historic defensive fragility

This defensive fragility is not a new phenomenon for the club. With 30 goals conceded in 13 days of Ligue 1ASSE made one of its worst defensive starts in its entire history, surpassed only by the 1952-1953 season (34 goals conceded at this stage). This recurring weakness behind, whether in tactical organization or individual performances, has never been resolved despite successive transfer windows and today constitutes a major cause for concern for Olivier Dall'Oglio.

Solutions to be found urgently

To escape this negative spiral, the Greens will absolutely have to find solutions, as Gauthier Larsonneur points out. Intensive work will be necessary, involving both coach Olivier Dall'Oglio and the players who will have to question themselves to avoid reliving humiliations like those suffered against Brest (4-0), Nice (8-0) or Rennes (5 -0).