For more than a century, AS Saint-Étienne has welcomed players from around the world, testifying to an increasing openness to the international arena. Originally dominated by French talent, the club has now been characterised by a more diversified recruitment, integrating players from 52 different nationalities. This internationalization has accelerated in recent seasons, extending beyond the national and francophone basin to include players from New Zealand, Jamaica, Georgia, Israel, Serbia, and many others. The arrival of Joshua Duffuss, the first Jamaican player in the club’s history, symbolizes this trend and contributes to a team now composed of nearly two thirds of foreign players. This openness is motivated by the desire to expand the pool of talents and strengthen the competitiveness of the ASSE in Ligue 2, with the ambition to quickly return to Ligue 1. English has become the preferred language of communication within the club, reflecting this new international dimension.

Asse’s 4-0 victory over Rodez on the second day of the championship confirms the club’s ambitions, but Norwegian coach Eirik Horneland remains measured. Although satisfied with the result, he stressed the unequal performance of the team, with interesting periods alternating with notable shortcomings. Horneland insists on the need to improve technical accuracy, the automation of collective actions and the management of possession times. The major remodeling of the group this summer involves a cohesive work that takes time, with fluidity problems in passes and combinations, as well as physical enhancement needs for some players. It is crucial for the team to develop greater defensive maturity and better manage the weak moments of the game.

Horneland recognizes the team’s potential, but stresses the need to advance in offensive efficiency. The ASSE was inefficient in the last gesture at this meeting, and it is imperative to become more realistic in the face of opportunities. The goal is to build a team that can set its pace, press high and be clinical in front of the goal. Despite this encouraging victory, Horneland refuses any excess of confidence, stressing that the construction site is still immense and that the road to the top of the classification will be stifled. The ASSE must display a 90-minute mental and tactical consistency to reach its goals.