Halfway through, ASSE is only 4th in Ligue 2 even though everyone saw it crushing the competition. Whose fault is it? Our journalists debate it!
Kilmer is the main culprit
For me, if there is someone responsible for the current situation at AS Saint-Etienne, it is Kilmer Sports. The investment fund came with lots of ideas, lots of resources but it is clear that for the moment, the results are very negative. He bought a club which had just returned to Ligue 1, his choices led it to an immediate descent and, halfway through, the Greens are not in a position to go directly back this season. Focusing on data can be a good idea; for example, it worked quite well in Toulouse. But in Forez, that doesn’t work. If we had to take stock of the recruitment of Kilmer Sports, the balance would be very negative.
And then, icing on the bitter cake, there is the signing of Eirik Horneland and above all his maintenance! Here too, Kilmer wanted to surprise, to innovate, but the bet failed. However, the owner of ASSE refuses to change his mind, even though after a year, the conclusion of failure is clear. By persisting in keeping the Norwegian on the bench, Gazidis and the green management are heading straight for disaster. Because not returning to Ligue 1 with such a squad would certainly be one!
Raphaël NOUET
Hornland
“Even if many rightly point the finger at Kilmer Sports for the mixed situation of ASSE this season, it is difficult to obscure Horneland’s role in this dynamic. The Norwegian technician, who arrived with the ambition of instilling an offensive and structured game, sometimes managed to get the best out of his group – as during certain convincing victories and a 6-0 against Pau which showed interesting collective potential. However, Saint-Étienne’s season in Ligue 2 remains very heterogeneous with performances oscillating between convincing performances and disappointing results, particularly in the continuity of play and defensive solidity.
I find that Horneland doesn’t adapt to his opponents, I don’t even know if he studies them carefully. Even if we can be after Kilmer, we can’t say that the team has what it takes to stay in Ligue 2. It’s still a hell of a group, certainly not spared from injuries, but which should easily be leaders. Kilmer’s insistence on keeping Horneland at the head of the team is also debated, but the leaders will not disavow themselves for a coach they absolutely wanted to bring back. The Norwegian will, I think, have the entire season to accomplish the reassembled mission. I obviously wholeheartedly wish ASSE to come back, but that could perhaps turn into a poisoned chalice. Because, if there is a rise, Horneland will stay, and I’m not sure that keeping him in Ligue 1 is such a good idea…”.
William TERTRIN
