The defeat against Red Star (2-1) on Saturday at the Bauer stadium left its mark well beyond the simple result. A scathing analysis has just emerged from expert circles, asking very uncomfortable questions about the real situation of the Saint-Etienne group. The questions now concern elements much deeper than tactics: internal unity and cohesion in the locker room.
Patrick Guillou reveals the tensions that undermine the ASSE locker room
Patrick Guillou, former ASSE defender who became a BeIN Sports consultant, delivers a particularly alarming column in Le Progrès. Between crude metaphors and lucid observations, the ex-Green highlights a structural malaise which goes beyond Horneland himself. In his post-match analysis, Guillou uses an image that has become sadly symbolic: “Like a top, the Greens are making a lot of noise, but are not moving forward. Perfect symbol of vanity. »
But the diagnosis gets worse when it gets to the heart of the problem. Guillou notes that ASSE reveals “a fragmented whole, destitute, without rebellion” against opposing pressure. Even more worrying, he explicitly evokes the internal atmosphere: “Tangues are loosened to verbalize the tensions, the gloomy atmosphere and the ambient unease. » This sentence crystallizes everything: the locker room is no longer holding together, the players are now verbalizing their frustrations.
Patrick Guillou, Saint-Etienne legend, is sounding the alarm. His unequivocal diagnosis: “The Greens are making a lot of noise, but are not moving forward. » The observation of a deep crisis.
Horneland’s credibility damaged
The former defender does not mince his words when questioning the leadership: “Who to provoke the reframing? Who to make comfort uncomfortable? » These questions, posed publicly by a Saint-Etienne legend, constitute an implicit but powerful challenge to the authority of the Norwegian technician.
Guillou also notes the tactical flaws exploited by all adversaries : “Ferreira ‘Al Dente’ after forty seconds, helpless, without control of the corridors, without depth or efficiency. » The defensive system is failing on all sides, and the players are suffering mentally.
The worst is yet to come
The consultant ends his analysis with a worrying prophecy: “And the worst is perhaps yet to come…” This conclusion leaves the shadow of a potential implosion before Saturday’s clash against Troyes, undisputed leader of Ligue 2.
With three defeats in four matches and management aware of internal tensions (crisis meeting confirmed after the defeat of Red Star), ASSE is approaching a pivotal moment. Will Still (free from Southampton) and Patrick Vieira are already circulating as potential replacements.
The four days before Troyes promise to be decisive. Guillou’s revelation transforms a simple crisis of results into a crisis of leadership. Saint-Étienne must urgently prove that it can remain united.
