Season Preview #16: Saint-Étienne
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With the 2024/25 Ligue 1 season fast-approaching, we’re running through every team in the league, giving you all you need to become a Ligue 1 expert. Every day from now until the season kicks off on August 16, we’ll preview two clubs every day, breaking down their key moves and how the season is likely to unfold for them.
AS Saint-Étienne
Founded: 1933
Stadium: Stade Geoffroy-Guichard
Nickname(s): Sainté; Les Verts, Les Stéphanois
Manager: Olivier Dall'Oglio
Olivier Dall'Oglio started his coaching career at the relatively young age of 32 following a playing career cut-short by an ACL injury. Another 28 years later and he is one of French football's wise heads and steady managerial hands. The Frenchman is experienced to say the least: in 2008 he was an assistant coach for the UAE national team before joining Dijon FCO. He took over the reins of the club from 2012 to 2018, where he led Les Rogues to promotion to Ligue 1 in 2017 and kept them in the division at the first attempt. He would then go onto manage Brest and Montpellier in Ligue 1 before joining Saint-Étienne in December 2023, leading Les Verts to the Ligue 2 play-offs and promotion only six months later…
Last Season: 3rd, Ligue 2 (promoted via play-offs)
Cult Hero: Gautier Larsonneur
Only 20 years old at the time, Gautier Larsonneur began his career in Ligue 2 with his native Stade Brestois. He would go on to be one of the best goalkeepers in the division, but lost his spot when Les Pirates established themselves in the top tier. Following a loan at Valenciennes, he would move to Saint-Étienne in January 2023 and feature regularly in Les Verts' starting XI. After finishing eighth in the 2023-2024 season, Larsonneur would play an integral part in Saint-Étienne's promotion season, winning the UNFP Ligue 2 Goalkeeper of the Season award. ASSE will be counting on him this season between the sticks but also as the one of the side's natural leaders.
Key Arrivals / Departures
Les Verts have had five arrivals this season as they return to the top tier for the first time since 2021. The biggest signing so far has been Georgian striker Zuriko Davitashvili from Bordeaux following the 23-year-old's campaign with his national side at Euro 2024. Meanwhile, Wolsfburger attacking midfielder Augustine Boakye has signed along with 21-year-old left winger Ben Old. In defence, ASSE have tried to shore themselves up by bringing in former Reims captain and experienced defender Yunis Abdelhamid.
It's in attack where Sainté have lost most of their firepower that brought them up from Ligue 2. French attacking midfielder Irvin Cardona set the second division alight last season, but he has returned to parent club Augbsurg before signing for La Liga side Espanyol following the end of his loan. Meanwhile, attacking midfielder Dylan Chambost has also left the club, signing with MLS side Columbus crew.
Season Outlook
The first season back in the top tier is always a difficult test, yet ASSE should take comfort in Le Havre and Toulouse's recent success in the division. With a backing fit for one of France's most historic clubs, Saint-Étienne will be hoping they have enough to stay up at the first attempt. They have recruited important experienced players, including Abdelhamid and Tardieu, which builds upon a solid defensive base. Whilst the loss of Cardona and Chambost is understandable, the likes of Davitashvili and Sissoko look able to make up for it.
Likely XI (4-3-3) : Larsonneur; Macon, Nade, Abdelhamid, Nzuzi; Moueffek, Tardieu, Old; Davitashvili, Sissoko, Cafaro
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