The AS Saint-Étienne concluded its summer preparation with a mixed record, alternating victories and defeats in five friendly games. Despite a disappointing overall result, this period was crucial for coach Eirik Horneland in order to test his game patterns and evaluate a workforce under construction. Irvin Cardona, the striker from Brest and Augsburg, was one of the most wanted players, totaling 350 minutes of play, the fourth highest game time in the group. Its prolonged use in preparation reflects Horneland’s confidence, but a notable change in positioning has been observed: Cardona has been systematically aligned to the left, a first for him since his arrival in Saint-Étienne.

This tactical change could be part of a strategy to operate two false-footed wingers, with Cardona on the left and Boakye on the right. This configuration would promote axial percussion while freeing the corridors for the laterals, whose arrival of new recruits such as Ebenezér Annan and João Ferreira is expected. The prolonged absence of Zuriko Davitashvili, affected by health problems and a complex mercato, may also have contributed to this repositioning. His desired departure but blocked by management has potentially forced Horneland to reassign Cardona in an unusual role for him.

The future of this configuration remains uncertain, depending on the final composition of the team and the collective dynamics. However, if Irvin Cardona maintains its current form, it seems to position itself as a potential holder for AS Saint-Étienne. The upcoming official matches and the conclusion of the Mercato will clarify this issue. However, one thing is certain: Cardona is a key element of ASSE’s sport project and its role in the team is more than ever confirmed.