The situation of AS Saint-Etienne jeopardizes its resale project. The specter of relegation hangs over princely dreams.
Fairy tolls. The prince charming of ASSE repelled by a beauty far too dormant. The specter of relegation already hangs over the Forézien club and the dream of a recovery to the tune of 100 million euros is starting to take hold.
Fairy tale
All the ingredients were there. A Cambodian prince, a big club in search of his glorious ghost, a magic cauldron and a gargantuan deal that the Disney studios would not deny.
But this tale is now more of a novel by Terry Pratchett than a tale of the Brothers Grimm. And the happy end recedes with each new underperformance.
Not to miss
ASSE, currently last in Ligue 1, will no longer have the same value of TV rights and other income related to its presence in the elite in the event of relegation at the end of the campaign. We therefore understand the reluctance of a prince not really charmed by this prospect.
According to various media, the Saint-Etienne leaders Roland Romeyer and Benard Caïazzo have already decided to take out a loan for which they would stand surety.
Storm green
The goal ? Recruit in January and launch a commando mission to save ASSE from the horrors of the descent. But strengthening the workforce is not the only obstacle that stands in the way of an ASSE in the midst of a storm. The Claude Puel case will have to be addressed sooner or later.
With 1.08 points per game since the start of his mandate, the Forézien coach has the worst record of coaches who have led ASSE more than 50 games.
But sacking him can be very tricky. Puel is not just a coach, but general manager on the club board and earns more than 200,000 euros in terms of salary. Firing would be costly and this decision should not be taken lightly.
The tale is not there
We can also blame Puel for his strong choices for having turned the page Loïc Perrin, Yann M’Vila, Mathieu Debuchy, Wahbi Khazri or even Stéphane Ruffier, serving the locker room of high salaries, but also of great experience and above all, a stability which is now sorely lacking. The split with the supporters continues to grow. And one week away from a highly anticipated derby against OL, the murderous banners should flourish.
In all the great tales, the line between hero and villain of the story is very fine. It is now up to Puel to choose his side, as the final battle approaches, the technician from Saint-Etienne has the keys to the happy ending in his hands.