AS Saint-Étienne (ASSE) is going through a delicate period, both defensively and offensively. With only 12 goals scored in 15 matches, an average of 0.80 goals per match, the record is insufficient for the Greens.
The lack of offensive creativity is regularly singled out, as it is so obvious in each meeting. In addition, ASSE does not currently have a strong scorer. Neither Ibrahim Sissoko (4 goals) nor Lucas Stassin (1 goal) won after five months of competition.
The Malian striker, Ibrahim Sissoko, will have to be patient. His nudge on Balerdi against Olympique de Marseille cost him dearly. He received a five-match suspension, plus two suspended matches. We will therefore not see Sissoko again before February.
The misfortune of some is the happiness of Stassin?
The field is clear for Lucas Stassin. The 20-year-old Belgian joined the club this summer with a record transfer of around 10 million euros, a difficult sum to assume at his young age. We had to wait for his twelfth appearance to see him open his counter. What to unlock the Belgian striker?
It's possible, especially since the latter was not put in a good position. His profile does not seem suited to playing at the forefront of a block that defends very low. A true surface attacker, he could benefit from Eirik Horneland's new game plan. As it stands, with the absences of Ibrahima Wadji, injured, and Ibrahim Sissoko, suspended, Lucas Stassin will have one month to fully establish himself as ASSE's scorer.
Furthermore, ASSE has recently experienced significant changes. Eirik Horneland has been appointed head coach, succeeding Olivier Dall'Oglio. Horneland, a 49-year-old Norwegian coach, is known as a fan of attractive football. His arrival could breathe new dynamics into the team, in particular by strengthening defensive solidity and optimizing offensive efficiency.
The transfer window as a solution for ASSE
The club is also active on the transfer market. According to our latest information, ASSE is probing the market to find a new scorer. A profile was notably checked in league 2. The managers hope to strengthen the other sectors of play.
In defense, ASSE has conceded 34 goals in 15 matches, an average of 2.27 goals per match, which highlights a worrying fragility. The arrival of a new coach and potential reinforcements could help rectify this trend.
The month of January promises to be decisive for the Greens, with crucial confrontations against direct competitors for maintenance. Supporters hope that these recent changes will bear fruit and allow ASSE to turn things around before it is too late. Lucas Stassin must have his role to play.
