Zapping Goal! Football club ASSE: top 10 market values of the Greens
Goal !: The Greens finished in 11th place in the standings. What is your assessment of this season?
Laurent Canonico: In March, I would have signed immediately for an eleventh place. Because we were closer to relegation, in any case to the fight for maintenance, than to the first half of the table. On the other hand, if we consider the last matches, we can have regrets. Puel had reviewed his copy, telling himself that with only a youth policy, that was not enough. There was of course the reinstatement of Khazri, a rather good Hamouma, and Debuchy who did the job. And we were in a good dynamic. We should have finished in 10th place, and not lose against Dijon (note: 0-1). But in view of the season, we’re not doing so badly!
Do you still believe in the project set up by Claude Puel?
Yes, I had a lot of hope when he arrived. I find its youth policy credible. I still want to believe it. I like the fact that it gives young people a chance, including those at the training center. Afterwards, the season has shown that youth can be good when it’s in the right spiral, and that there is success. But it is enough that there is a small grain of sand, and that the defeat arrives, to realize that it is more complicated. And that’s where executives do good. We saw it precisely when there was the return of Khazri on the field, with Hamouma and Debuchy holders, we managed to win. We have seen that the experience, in a group of young people, was good. To have a player who has the bottle per line, that seems important to me.
Do you think it is possible to build a long-term project with young players?
It is complicated. Just take the example of Fofana. The club had to reconcile between financial balance and sporting performance. This is regrettable. Ditto for Saliba a few months earlier. I think with Fofana this season, even though he’s young, it wouldn’t have been the same season. Especially when you see the season he had with Leicester.
What did you think of Jessy Moulin’s season?
Its season has been average. He did the job, but nothing more. Unfortunately, he was unable to take advantage of Ruffier’s departure to really win. On a human level, it is brilliant, it is a cream, there is no problem. But on the pitch, I find that he missed out on several matches. Now, it is clear that the next generation is here, with Étienne Green. It is the revelation, the beautiful story of this end of the season.
Exactly, do you see him as number one next season?
Yes, I think it will be him. He immediately revealed himself, he made exemplary matches. Certainly, he had a lot of success by being often saved by his amounts, but it is necessary. Great players need success. The story is so beautiful. I find him humble, mature and efficient. It wouldn’t shock me to see him number one next season. And I also see Jessy in number two. With his experience, he could be the perfect player, also a kid at the club, to take Green forward.
“I tell myself that the Romeyer-Caïazzo duo may have had their day. One cannot suspect Roland Romeyer of not being a lover of the green house. Except that it is now a little worn, and it would really be necessary to pass the hand “
Who was the best player of the season?
I will say Mahdi Camara. Among all the young players, he is the one who has been the most consistent. He was very good in the midfield.
At only 18 years old, Adil Aouchiche was the flagship recruit of the last summer Mercato, what did you think of his season?
In fact, if we consider that he is only 18 years old, that he scored 2 goals for 5 assists, we can say that his season is not bad. On the other hand, compared to the expectations that we could have, his season is average. But it’s ridiculous to put so much pressure on this kid because he comes from PSG. He is a promising youngster, who is making his first season as a young player, in a youth team … He must be given time.
Do you welcome the club’s sale, and do you think it will come this summer?
Sales have been on the agenda for a while. With more or less info and poison, things that are about to be done, which in the end are not being done. I would consider that the club is indeed sold when a credible buyer will have positioned itself, will have made a real offer and that the current leaders will have accepted it. For now, this is just speculation, and announcement effects. Now, I tell myself that the Romeyer-Caïazzo duo may have had their day. One cannot suspect Roland Romeyer of not being a lover of the green house. Except that it is now a little worn, and it would really be necessary to pass the hand.
What position does ASSE need to strengthen the most this summer?
I think we must especially recruit in defense and attack, including a center forward. In the middle, it would not be very useful because even if we do not have executives, there are very good young people with Camara, Neyou, Gourna and Youssouf.
Mathieu Debuchy was not extended. The extension of Romain Hamouma is still dragging on. Is this a player that ASSE must keep?
Yes, for me it must be kept. Hamouma is a player who may be irregular, often injured, but technically, it’s a treat. He is a player who improves his partners. It’s nice to see such a handsome technician wearing the green jersey.
Laurent Canonico discusses the hot issues of ASSE
Former Club ASSE presenter Laurent Canonico gave an interview to But! Saint Etienne. He mentions in particular the possible sale of the club, Claude Puel and the case of Romain Hamouma.
