The pressure asse: a key derby for maintenance
Saint-Étienne prepares to face Olympique Lyonnais this Sunday in a match that is of vital importance for the survival of the club in Ligue 1. The pressure is palpable, and ASSE players, as well as former players like Fabien Lemoine and Eirik Horneland, are aware of the stakes.
As Dennis Appiah points out, the atmosphere around the club is electric. “It’s crazy, it shows the wait and fervour that exist,” says the midfielder. The fans are expected in mass, and the atmosphere should be exceptional. Former player Fabien Lemoine testified: “Saint-Étienne is a chance. A great opportunity to play in this club.” His experience, passed through the club between 2011 and 2017, gives him a unique perspective on the importance of this game.
The particular atmosphere of the derby, as Lemoine also points out, requires specific preparation. “It’s a match like the others, but not a match like the others,” he explains. “You have to do more than usual.”
Eirik Horneland, the current ASSE coach, admits that the game does not represent a “last chance” for the maintenance. “There are still a few meetings to fight,” he explains. The main goal is to take four points out of the last five games, especially against Le Havre, who currently occupies the place of relegable. The coach stressed the need to “take the best possible performance” against Olympique Lyonnais.
The team’s absences are numerous: Augustine Boakye and Benjamin Bouchouari are unavailable, and the condition of Lucas Stassin and Irvin Cardona remains uncertain. Yvann Mason is suspended. Benjamin Bouchouari’s condition, hit on his back during the match against Brest, is also worrying.
Former player Fabien Lemoine stresses the importance of team spirit and the commitment of supporters. He recalls that the club has always had a responsibility to its supporters and that playing in this club is a great opportunity. He expressed his hope that the team could stay in League 1, which could also allow new shareholders to invest more in the club. He also sees the opportunity for the club to turn to positive dynamics.
The Chaudron atmosphere, as Lemoine points out, can give the team a considerable advantage. The atmosphere, the support of the supporters, can make a difference. The goal is to quickly score and take control of the game, as Horneland pointed out. The ASSE will have to show intensity, quality and commitment to hope for a positive result in the face of Olympique Lyonnais.