ASSE played its first match of 2025 this Saturday. Under the orders of Eirik Horneland, the Greens found some color before their trip to the Parc des Princes next week. In his column for Le Progrès, Patrick Guillou looks back on this meeting and highlights certain significant aspects.
Reading the various reactions from supporters, it is obvious that Eirik Horneland's first 90 minutes on the Saint-Etienne bench were particularly popular. This also seems to be the opinion of Patrick Guillou: “Successful baptism of fire. Surprising. Sensational. Fantastic premiere. Promising start. Remarkable metamorphosis. Saving shock. Rain of compliments.”
Clear ambitions for the Greens
The objective is clear for the Stéphanois: to quickly ensure their survival while offering an attractive game. Although the transfer window has not yet started, this first match brought its share of changes. And what a match! The supporters attended a particularly pleasant meeting to follow:
“Transform an old stained piquette into a divine nectar. After the holidays, against Reims, it’s champagne football for everyone.”
A transformed style of play for ASSE?
If there is one point to highlight, it is the state of mind displayed by the players. ASSE showed great concentration throughout the meeting to meet the demands of its new coach:
“Characterized by creative actions, daring passes, technical gestures and rapid sequences. King Eirik favors the beautiful game beyond simple victory. The positive attitude brushes aside approximations and weaknesses. “
Some players seemed completely transformed. If the first half was complicated in terms of finishing, the second revealed a completely different side of the team.
“Fluidity, transitions, coordinated movements, triangle play… […] Nadé transforms into Ronaldinho. Stassin as Ronaldo. Mouton in Zidane and Bouchouari in Messi. And this is just the beginning. […] Everyone leaves feeling comforted by their choices. General satisfaction. […] With this great positive experience, confidence is at its peak before the next deadlines.”
