ASSE returned to League 1 after two difficult seasons in League 2. With an iron defense, the Stéphanois were able to find the resources to return to the elite of French football by going through the play-off box. Gautier Larsonneur and the Saint-Etienne defense have been strong throughout the season. On the other hand, this season, it's more delicate…
With 24 goals conceded in 10 League 1 matches, ASSE is the second worst defense in the championship. Only Montpellier, the red lantern, does worse! A situation which can be explained by the recurring changes in defense… but also by less qualitative individual performances.
The best goalkeeper in Ligue 2 of 2023-2024
Arriving in January 2023, Gautier Larsonneur brings stability to a position that is sorely lacking. Finally, since the departure of Stéphane Ruffier, ASSE has chained the goalkeepers without seeing anyone really impose themselves (Moulin, Green, Bernardoni, Raveyre, Dreyer, Fall…). The doorman arriving from Valenciennes comes to break the curse.
Motivated upon his arrival, he will take up the challenge of maintaining ASSE. “I am very happy to join this great club and already ready to start. Having not experienced the club's delicate first part of the season, I must bring my freshness to this group to quickly rediscover the taste of victory, from Tuesday at Geoffroy-Guichard. Everything comes together here to work well and succeed.”
His arrival coincides with the Saint-Etienne revival, the second part is of quality. In the end, the Greens obtained an easy hold. The 2023-2024 season must be that of recovery. Author of a very high-level season, Gautier Larsonneur will be one of the great architects of ASSE's comeback. Voted best league 2 goalkeeper of the season, he, along with his teammates, helped put the club back in league 1. His goal when he signed for the club 18 months before.
Confirm in Ligue 1 with a luxury liner at ASSE
Last June, after joining Ligue 1, Larsonneur spoke on RMC: “I am under contract until 2026! So I have two years of contract left at ASSE. My ambition is to be number 1 next season, I don't need guarantees for that. I'm going to fight for my place.”
During the first meeting in Monaco, it was therefore very logical that he established himself as a holder of ASSE. Author of a successful match, Larsonneur delayed the deadline for a long time. The Greens will nevertheless lose 1-0. After the departure of its usual understudy, Etienne Green, in the Championship at Burnley, the club began looking for a new goalkeeper. On August 21, ASSE hired Brice Maubleu. Among the best goalkeepers in Ligue 2, the Grenoble native competes with Larsonneur. The Saint-Etienne doorman knows it, his number 2 is a customer!
Except for his good match in Monaco, and a serious performance against Lille, Gautier Larsonneur has a less positive performance. Although he is not the sole cause of ASSE's defensive woes, the difficulties encountered cannot be completely hidden from him. Thus, the derby sounds like a crucial moment to take revenge. Less unanimous among supporters, the derby is an opportunity for him to take his revenge. A match where he risks being heavily used. The opportunity to treat yourself to an immunity card for a few weeks!
A project that weakens it
Like all the players who reached the top division, the new management's project weakens him. Looking for a senior player, capable of supporting young recruits, Larsonneur must set an example in his sporting performances. Under contract for another 18 months, the possibility of seeing a new goalkeeper arrive next season as number 1 cannot be ruled out. Even more so, if the performances of the former Brest player do not allow ASSE to score points in its “maintenance” mission.
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