After the humiliation of Annecy (4-0), something invisible took place behind the scenes in Saint-Étienne. A summit meeting between the players. Irvin Cardona, scorer against Pau, has finally lifted the veil on this key moment which changed the destiny of ASSE.
Cardona’s confession: “We had to talk”
“We talked among ourselves, it was important to talk to each other, even if there was no alert”confessed Cardona after the 6-0 demonstration against Pau. This seemingly banal phrase hides a much deeper reality: there was indeed an alert, despite official denials.
Between two consecutive defeats at Le Mans (3-2) and Annecy (4-0), ASSE was sinking. Three losses in four games. Horneland’s team was on the brink. Tensions were rising. Doubts were setting in. And then, the players broke the silence. Not a speech from the coach. Not a directive from management. An explanation of text between them, in the locker room.
The secret of transformation: the fundamentals rediscovered
Cardona reveals the essence of this crucial meeting:
“We talked about it among ourselves: the basics of football, duels, races. Just run more, be more efficient. » Translation ? No tactical revolution. No big speeches. Just a group that says things bluntly. Which reminds us of the fundamentals. Who regains collective control.
The result? Spectacular. 6-0 against Pau. A united, determined, overwhelming team. No trace of doubt. No signs of tension. Everything was clear. Everything was aligned.
What really explains the rebound
Cardona insists: “Victures like tonight are important, they unite a group. I think it’s also off the field that all this happens. » The trigger was not on the ground. He was in the locker room. It was this ability to confront one another, to say things bluntly, to remember the collective urgency.
ASSE went from one of its worst performances (Annecy) to overwhelming domination in three days. How ? By forcing yourself into an uncomfortable conversation. To uncompromising honesty.
This is the secret that Cardona has just revealed. And it may be the one that will save the Greens’ season.
