Christophe Pélissier, the current coach of the AJ Auxerre, has since childhood nurtured a deep and sincere affection for the AS Saint-Étienne, a club that occupies a special place in his heart. Although he has never had the opportunity to wear the stéphanois colours as a coach, this emotional bond has been rooted in his memory since a European Cup final of Champions Clubs assisted in Glasgow in 1976, when he was only an eleven-year-old. This remarkable experience sealed his attachment to the club, a feeling he regularly expresses with emotion and pride.

Beyond sports performances and the history of the club, it is the unique and vibrant atmosphere of Geoffroy-Guichard, nicknamed the “Chaudron”, that deeply fascinates Mr.Pélissier. Recognising the unique atmosphere of the Luzenac stadium, he stressed the special importance of Saint-Étienne’s iconic stadium, which witnessed many games and precious memories. This sincere passion also manifests itself in his professional aspirations, admitting that, although the Téfécé de Toulouse occupies a place in his dreams, the AS Saint-Étienne holds a special significance.

However, the future seems for the time being to make this dream difficult to achieve as the Stéphanese leaders have opted for stability by giving the coaching position to Eirik Horneland in the long term. Nevertheless, the world of football is by nature unpredictable, and the opportunity to see Christophe Pélissier one day leading the AS Saint-Étienne, thus realizing the outcome of a child’s dream, remains a possibility, though distant.