Under the impetus of Ivan Gazidis, president of AS Saint-Étienne, the club is engaged in a profound organizational restructuring. Since its arrival in June 2024, Gazidis, in collaboration with Huss Fahmy and Jaeson Rosenfeld, has implemented a methodical approach based on observation, audit and analysis. This led to in-depth audits, particularly at the level of the training centre and the performance unit, and was followed by concrete decisions. A broad recruitment campaign was launched in the spring, reinforcing the recruitment unit with experienced profiles such as Pedro Ferreirinha and Donough Holohan, Performance Director, from Manchester City. In addition, the physical preparation team was renewed, with the arrival of a team of international specialists, demonstrating the ambition of ASSE to align itself with the standards of the best European clubs.

The transformation of the AS Saint-Étienne is not limited to strengthening its sports team. The club has also placed increasing importance on the mental aspect of its players. Dr. Foivos Papastaïkoudis was recruited as a sports psychologist after working with prestigious media such as Chelsea FC and Brighton & Hove Albion. This appointment illustrates the ASSE’s willingness to consider mental health and cognitive performance as key elements of its project. This initiative, which recalls the importance attached to this area by Jeannette Lyonneten’s former staff, is part of a global strategy for the club’s development.

In short, AS Saint-Étienne is leading a profound and continuous transformation, focusing on structuring at all levels. This approach, less visible than the recruitment of players, is seen as a determining factor for the future of the club. The arrival of high-level professionals, such as Dr Papastaïkoudis, demonstrates this desire to build on the experience and best practices of European clubs. However, the ASSE will also have to be effective on the ground as early as August 8 to achieve this transformation and meet the expectations of its supporters.