Published on October 29, 2024 at 3:45 p.m. – updated on October 29, 2024 at 3:48 p.m. Juba Touabi
AS Saint-Étienne is in turmoil. A significant change on the bench is expected in the coming weeks.
Currently 16th in Ligue 1, the club has had a series of poor performances, putting its coach, Olivier Dall’Oglio, in a fragile position despite official support from management. Faced with this persistent crisis, Saint-Etienne leaders are exploring a significant alternative: Wilfried Nancy, coach of the Columbus Crew in MLS, recent winner of the Cup in 2023, whose profile seduces with his daring style of play according to information from the Team.
A salary too high for Sainté?
With Kilmer Sports Ventures, Canadian owner of the Saint-Etienne club, banking on a North American vision, the recruitment of Wilfried Nancy is part of a modernization strategy. The French coach, recognized for his offensive philosophy, could breathe new dynamism into a project in search of renewal. However, his salary of 100,000 euros per month, three times that of Dall’Oglio, complicates negotiations and makes a rapid arrival uncertain. Exchanges between the two parties are likely to last over time before a final agreement is reached.
Another complication: the Columbus Crew is currently engaged in the MLS play-offs, which reduces the chances of seeing Wilfried Nancy released immediately. However, the technician has never hidden his desire to return to Europe, offering Saint-Etienne leaders an opening for future negotiations. The question remains whether ASSE is ready to bet on a coach who is still new to Ligue 1, a championship known to be demanding, where the club is fighting to avoid relegation. The situation could quickly change, especially with the next derby against Lyon, a decisive match for Dall’Oglio. In the event of another defeat, the Forez club could accelerate discussions with Nancy, in the hope of relaunching a team which, more than ever, needs a new lease of life to emerge from the crisis.
