Overview
- AS Saint-Étienne announced on February 1 the appointment of Philippe Montanier as head coach on a deal through the end of the season with an option for one more year.
- Eirik Horneland’s departure was made official on January 31, effective February 1, following a 0-1 loss to Boulogne that capped a difficult run in Ligue 2.
- The team sits fifth after 21 matchdays with seven defeats, four points behind second-place Reims and seven off leaders Troyes.
- Montanier returns to the club where he ended his playing career and brings promotion credentials from previous stints with Boulogne and Toulouse, along with coaching roles at Rennes, Lens, Real Sociedad, Nottingham Forest and Standard Liège.
- The club publicly thanked Horneland for his integrity and contribution over 43 matches since December 2024, and he issued a farewell expressing pride and gratitude to players, staff, supporters and leadership.