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The defeat conceded in Reims could well leave lasting traces on the side of Saint-Étienne. More than just an accounting setback, this new misstep has highlighted the profound limitations of a team which is struggling to assume its status and its ambitions. In numerical superiority for a large part of the match, ASSE was never able to impose its tempo or turn the match around. A scenario that has become all too familiar, which now seriously weakens Eirik Horneland’s position.
A match symbolizing persistent unease
In Auguste-Delaune, the Greens once again gave the image of a team without any edge. Unable to increase their intensity despite the Reims exclusion, they suffered from the pace, lost too many duels and cruelly lacked authority. The statistics are relentless: less than one duel in two wonsterile offensive animation and a chronic inability to exploit the highlights.
This setback, the sixth of the seasoncomes in an already tense context. The supporters, exasperated by the lack of character displayed in recent weeks, made their anger heard. After Le Mans, Reims becomes a new episode marking a growing divide between the team and its public.
Horneland increasingly isolated
Arrived with the label of methodical trainer and builder, Eirik Horneland now sees his credit eroding dangerously. The results are struggling to follow, the game is not progressing sufficiently and ASSE gives the feeling of stagnating, or even regressing.
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Internally, patience begins to wear thin. According to several sources close to the club, a strategic meeting is scheduled at L’Étrat in order to assess the overall situation. The observation is clear: the resources invested and expectations are not aligned with the current dynamic. In this context, Horneland appears to be the first exposed if management judges that an electroshock is necessary.
Kilmer Sports is already anticipating what comes next
Without apparent haste, Kilmer Sports nevertheless works behind the scenes. The owner of ASSE wishes to avoid any improvised decision and has already identified multiple profiles capable of taking over in the event of a breakdown. Among them, one name comes up repeatedly.
According to Sacha Tavolieri, João Sacramento is on the Saint-Etienne shortlist. Free since his departure from LASK Linz, the Portuguese technician has a CV particularly appreciated by modern management. Former assistant to José Mourinho at Tottenham and Christophe Galtier at PSG, Sacramento is recognized for his tactical rigor, his analytical expertise and his ability to structure a project in an emergency.
A profile in line with the new ASSE
The potential choice of João Sacramento would not be trivial. It would be part of Kilmer Sports’ desire to establish a high-level culture, inspired by European standards. A coach trained in demanding environments, capable of quickly imposing a method and a clear framework. A central question remains: when to act? Ligue 2 leaves no respite, and each day can change a season. Keeping Horneland in a climate of mistrust carries risks, but changing coaches mid-term is never neutral.
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