The ASSE, under the leadership of Eirik Horneland, has established itself as one of the most dominant teams in Europe, showing an average ball possession of 66.4%. This performance, which places it behind the PSG and FC Barcelona, bears witness to a game identity built around mastery and projection. Horneland has clearly imposed its intense and offensive football philosophy, inspired by the total football of Guardiola and the tiki-taka of Barcelona, with high pressing and quick recovery. Its recruitment, particularly of players with proven intensity, illustrates this desire to develop an ambitious game and a reference team in terms of intensity. Despite a difficult last season, the ASSE has demonstrated a certain potential, and its current position among the best European teams in possession is the result of constant work and rigorous demands on the part of the coach.

During the recent victory against the Reims Stadium, Eirik Horneland highlighted the opponent’s difficulty and the importance of team spirit and the organization of the Rémois. He also addressed game time management, emphasizing the need to adapt the workforce while maintaining a high level of performance. Horneland expressed his admiration for Haaland, considering him an exceptional player, particularly for his contribution to the Norwegian national team. He also mentioned the importance of maintaining a maximum concentration to achieve consistent results, even with potential absences.

Beyond the field, the victory against Reims was marked by strong messages from ASSE supporters. Supporters’ groups expressed solidarity with groups of supporters of GF38, who were the victims of searches deemed to be abusive, and denounced police repression and multi-ownership in football. These messages, carried by the Green Angels and the Magic Fans, highlight the supporters’ commitment to defending the identity and independence of their club, and recall that the Geoffroy-Guichard Stadium is a place of expression where the stands make their voices heard.