AS Saint-Étienne is on the verge of appointing Eirik Horneland as their new manager following the dismissal of Olivier Dall'Oglio. The dismissal came after consecutive losses, particularly highlighted by their recent defeat to Toulouse. The decision was made official on December 16, 2024, creating immediate urgency for the club to secure Horneland's signature to begin preparations for the upcoming French Cup match against Marseille.
The Norwegian coach, who has recently parted ways with SK Brann, emerged as the top choice for AS Saint-Étienne, largely due to his successful past and the fact he was available after resigning from his previous position. "Eirik Horneland is well-established as the number one choice for AS Saint-Étienne," reported L'Equipe, indicating the level of confidence within the club's hierarchy about his potential arrival.
Despite being the favorite, Horneland faces stiff competition from multiple clubs, including teams from Major League Soccer (MLS) as well as another club from the Czech Republic. This variety of offers has made his decision process more complex as he weighs his future options. "Horneland has multiple offers on the table," noted Foot Sur 7, highlighting the predicament he currently finds himself in.
Central to the club's efforts, Ivan Gazidis, president of AS Saint-Étienne, is working tirelessly to finalize Horneland's appointment, which appears to be inching closer day by day. Gazidis is under pressure to quickly finalize the hiring, especially as the team gears up for the winter break and the upcoming domestic matches. "The club needs to quickly appoint a new manager to adequately prepare the team during the winter break," emphasized Foot Sur 7.
Sources confirm the negotiations are progressing, with representatives of both parties having hashed out most of the key details. The expectation is set for Horneland to make his official acceptance known soon. One report stated, "Eirik Horneland has chosen Saint-Étienne," according to Le Progrès, supporting the notion of his imminent appointment.
While the coaching position seems to be Horneland's to accept, the timing of his official announcement has yet to be confirmed. Should he formally commit to the club, observers are eager to see how soon he can take charge of his new squad. For the moment, interim duties may remain with Laurent Huard, AS Saint-Étienne's academy director, who is expected to lead the team for their upcoming fixture.
There is also significant anticipation surrounding what Horneland's leadership could mean for the struggling Sainté side, who currently find themselves ranked 16th in Ligue 1. Having earned recognition as Norway's coach of the year and leading SK Brann to considerable successes, his track record places him as a promising figure capable of turning around the club's fortunes.
Saint-Étienne remains optimistic as they aim to solidify the appointment of Horneland before the upcoming match against Marseille on December 20, where they will face off for the French Cup round. His potential contributions could be pivotal as the club seeks to escape the clutches of relegation and reestablish themselves as contenders within French football.
Considering all these elements, the narrative surrounding Horneland's appointment is not just about filling the coaching vacancy, but also about reversing the club's fortunes and instilling hope among fans and players alike. Should Horneland officially take the reins, he will be faced with the immediate challenge of enhancing team morale and instilling effective strategies to safeguard their position within Ligue 1.
With the transfer window opening soon and the winter training break approaching, careful planning will be key to drafting the right strategies and possibly securing new talents to bolster the squad. Despite the existing pressure from rival MLS clubs and other European contenders vying for Horneland's managerial prowess, the AS Saint-Étienne board is hopeful about finalizing this much-anticipated appointment.
The decision is expected to be finalized within days, positioning Horneland to potentially coach his first match at Saint-Étienne shortly after the formalities are completed. With substantial changes poised to take place following Dall'Oglio's departure, fans eagerly await Horneland's official announcement and the new direction he promises to bring.
For Saint-Étienne, this marks not only the start of a new managerial era but also the turnaround they desperately need on the pitch, as they fight to maintain their top-flight status and re-establish their proud legacy within French football.
