Is the sleeping green giant finally awaking? Mired in mediocrity for most of the last few decades, Saint-Etienne seem tantalisingly close to breaking into Ligue 1’s elite. They finished the 2011/12 season in seventh, backed by a breakout year from Gabonese striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyeng (18 goals all competitions), and seemed capable of greater things in 2012/13. Although they fell short of a Champions League place, they did not disappoint.
Christophe Galtier kept the veteran core of his team intact (Jeremy Clément, Fabien Lemoine and captain Loïc Perrin) and added both young, exciting talent (Romain Hamouma and Renaud Cohade) and further experience (Brandão and François Clerc). The squad gelled exceptionally well, and Les Verts were in 3rd place as of week 15 (November 30th). They had become an offensive machine, scoring 24 goals — joint second-highest in the league at that point. Their good run was punctuated by 2 victories over PSG, a 2-1 away win in the league, followed by a league cup win on penalties. However, a loss to rivals Lyon, after having been on a 13-match unbeaten run, triggered a drop in form with 3 losses in 4 games and Saint Etienne closed out the 1st half of the season in a disappointing 10th place. But, the best was yet to come.
After a few weeks off the pitch, Les Verts returned both restocked (having added Yohan Mollo and Mathieu Bodmer) and revitalised. They produced an incredible run, going 17 games unbeaten (all competitions) and rocketing up to 4th place in the league, while securing a spot in the Coupe de la Ligue final. It was their first appearance in a final since 1982! It seemed a story-book season was unfolding, in which silverware and Champions League football would be assured. In their season’s signature moment, Les Verts majestically claimed their first trophy since 1981 with a comprehensive 1-0 victory over Rennes in the Stade de France. However, the schedule likely played a cruel trick on Saint Etienne as they stumbled once more in the league run-in. Perhaps with a trophy already won, along with a Europa League qualifying place, the players eased off knowing that whatever happened this season, it would be considered a success. In the final seven games (all after the league cup final), they won three, lost three and drew one, which was enough to see them slide into 5th place. In truth, their league form was damaged before their cup success with three straight draws against Rennes (who had an awful 2013), eventual champions PSG and soon-to-be relegated Troyes. Four extra points there would have been enough to leapfrog Lyon on goal difference for the final CL spot.
That being said, it would be harsh to deny that Les Verts have had a fantastic season. Success was paramount for these starved fans and while 5th place might have been enough to satisfy them, silverware sent them into frenzy. Aubameyang solidified his reputation as one of league’s most dangerous strikers with 21 goals in all competitions, and formed a formidable partnership with the robust Brandão. In fact, Saint Etienne were generally a joy to watch all season, scoring 60 league goals (3rd highest), whilst only conceding 32, second lowest behind PSG.
The challenge now for Galtier is not to let the team become a victim of its own success. Although it seems destined that Aubameyang will leave for a bigger club, Galtier must not let the core of his team disintegrate. Brandão has shown signs of wanting to continue his mercenary-like career and promising young centreback Kurt Zouma (a Le50 member) has reportedly accepted an offer from Russian side Anzhi Makhachkala. With the team fighting in Europe next season, and the extra games that brings, Galtier will need to strengthen his side no matter who leaves.
FINAL POSITION: 5th
Review by @hotdogfrog