Juba Touabi, Media365, published on Monday December 16, 2024 at 7:45 p.m.
The 2-1 defeat against Toulouse sealed the fate of Olivier Dall'Oglio.
Arriving to relaunch AS Saint-Étienne, the Saint-Étienne coach was thanked by the new owners, disappointed by the sporting results and annoyed by statements deemed inappropriate. A decision which marks a turning point for the Greens, currently in a barrier position in Ligue 1. The situation of the Stéphanois is alarming. Dall'Oglio's recent comments, calling for ambitious recruitment this winter, were seen as putting public pressure on management, hastening the end of his mandate. A decision that the owners hope will be saving for a team lacking confidence and results.
Pending the appointment of a new coach, Laurent Huard, Dall'Oglio's assistant, takes the reins of the team on an interim basis. A temporary solution as management accelerates its search for a successor capable of turning things around before the resumption in January. The Forez club is working behind the scenes to find the ideal coach to relaunch the Greens during the second part of the season.
Saint-Etienne has not yet found the rare pearl
The leaders of AS Saint-Étienne already have a shortlist to fill the vacant position. Three names particularly stand out: Wilfried Nancy: Currently at the head of the Columbus Crew in MLS, he was elected coach of the year 2024. Former assistant to Thierry Henry in Montreal, he is recognized for his tactical qualities and his management. He appears to be the favorite, although his commitment to the American club complicates negotiations.
Another name often comes up near Saint-Etienne. This is Zoumana Camara, the former coach of PSG's U19s, currently free. He is appreciated for his knowledge of French football and his potential to become a major coach in the coming years. The Forez club could give him a chance in the coming weeks. Finally, Eirik Horneland, the 49-year-old Norwegian technician, who has made a name for himself at SK Brann according to Foot Mercato. The latter could bring an international vision and a new lease of life to the club.
Negotiations with Wilfried Nancy appear to be the most advanced, but no agreement has yet been finalized. The management's objective is clear: to appoint the new coach before the end of the year, so that he can prepare the team for a crucial month of January. The Greens must quickly reverse the trend to avoid a descent into Ligue 2. The next coach will have the difficult task of restoring confidence to a group in difficulty and ensuring the maintenance of a historic club. In Forez, the coming weeks promise to be decisive in opening a new chapter and saving the season for the Stéphanois.
