Saint Etienne Looks Toward Future After Paris Saint-Germain Loss

Saint Etienne’s hopes for a top four finish are officially on life support after falling to PSG 2-0 in Paris yesterday.

Les Verts turned in a solid performance against the talented Parisian Club, and were fortunate the score line was as close as it was. Unless things fall their way over the last three games, the men in green will wonder what could have been when they look back on this season.

ASSE’s undoing was the inability to close out games during a pivotal four game stretch from mid-March until early April. During those games, ASSE would drop a total of 6 points in the last 15 minutes of matches.

First was an 81st minute strike by former ASSE hit man Bafetimbi Gomis that gave rivals Lyon (and current 4th place team) a 1 – 0 win. The following week, Ligue 1 leading scorer Olivier Giroud provided the 1 – 0 win for Montpellier with a goal in the 89th minute. In the next match, ASSE had a certain tie against bottom dwellers Nice turn into a loss when Francios Clerc found the net in the 89th minute. The slide continued with a 1-1 draw against Ajaccio when the home team equalized in the 78th minute.

Dropping vital points was compounded by the fact that points were dropped against their hated Rhone Derby rivals Lyon, who ASSE is currently chasing for fourth. Making matters worse was taking a single point from Nice and Ajaccio who are both fighting to stay above the relegation zone. ASSE was able to take away a single point in the four games, and zero at home.

Currently 3 points off of Lyon, who have a game in hand, ASSE has a tougher schedule to maneuver than their Rhone rivals. Of Lyon’s final four games, only Evian currently sits in the top half of the table in ninth giving them a golden opportunity to hold onto 4th.

Despite the disappointment of potentially missing out on a top four finish, Saint Etienne has had a lot to cheer about this season. The club appeared to be in limbo after losing the talented trio of Matuidi, Payet, and Riviere to Ligue 1 rivals prior to the season. The key losses opened the door for a solid nucleus of young players to show their wares.

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang was the revelation of the season striking for 14 goals thru 35 games. His performance in the ANC in January opened the world’s eyes to his talent. ASSE was able to make Aubameyang’s loan from AC Milan a permanent move in January in what was a key signing for the future of the club.

This season also saw the debut of highly touted youngster Kurt Zouma.

Zouma has the physical presence and abilities to be a top notch defender as he continues to mature. Saint Etienne will have to fight off the advances of several big clubs who are interested in the young Frenchman’s services. Adding to the potential in the back four were fellow youngsters Loris Nery and Faozi Ghoulam who continued their on the job training this season.

With the nucleus of young contributors gaining valuable experience this season, Saint Etienne’s fortunes are looking bright for the upcoming seasons. If they turn their potential into success down the road, they may look back at this season as the start of something. Perhaps a renaissance of the proud tradition of Saint Etienne futbol is underway.