Flo Tardieu’s team won their first prep match against Victor Petit’s Carouge FC (D2 Switzerland), winning 3-1. The game, which took place in Andrézieux, saw a difficult first half hour for Saint-Étienne players, marked by Djylian N’Guessan’s injury. Despite this, the team bounced back and scored a goal just before the break with a collective action by Ben Old. After half-time, the Greens accelerated the game and scored two additional goals, first thanks to a masterful strike by Lamine Fomba, then a third goal for the Carouge.

Stephanese coach Horneland expressed his general satisfaction after the game, while highlighting the remaining areas for improvement. He noted that the team regained its physical rhythm after a long break and created many opportunities to score. Although he was less satisfied with the goal, he pointed out that the opposing team had few opportunities. Horneland also praised the contribution of the young players at the training centre and expressed disappointment at N’Guessan’s injury.

Horneland also highlighted the team’s intensive preparation, with a successful internship at Chambon-sur-Lignon, and highlighted the positive atmosphere and staff involvement. He sees this victory as an important step for a group that suffered a lot last season, and he wants the victory to become a habit for the team. He is generally satisfied with the preparation and hopes that this victory will be a positive signal for the coming season.