Paris Saint-Germain took on Saint-Etienne at the Parc des Princes on Sunday, as part of Matchday 17 of Ligue 1 2024-2025. Eirik Horneland, Saint-Etienne’s team manager, spoke to the press after the 2-1 Parisian victory. He stressed that his team had put on a good show, particularly in the second half, even if there were some shortcomings. But the project is clear.
Horneland “Paris-SG are still the best team in this Championship but we fought to the end.”
“Are you disappointed by tonight’s match?
It was a tough game against Paris-SG, especially in the first few minutes, but we would have liked to have been tougher. Then we lost control a little. Paris-SG switched sides a lot. The first half ended 2-0. We had to ask for a few changes in attitude for the second half.
And the adjustments helped us gain more control. We had a positive attitude, with strong moments, in confidence and that helped us. Zuriko (Davitashvili)’s goal showed us that we were right. We could have come closer to an equaliser. After all, Paris-SG are still the best team in the Championship, but we fought right to the end.
Horneland “develop this team with these youngsters to get closer one day to that of Paris-SG.”
What did you need to equalize?
Quality, of course. Soccer is a sport where it counts. And we lacked that in the final moments. AS Saint-Etienne’s plan is to develop this team with its youngsters so that one day we can get closer to the Paris-SG team.
This Championship is really strong, with some very good players. We’ve tried to get closer to Paris-SG’s level of organization. Against the reigning champions, it was very difficult, but we fought right to the end. In that respect, I’m very happy”, comments relayed by L’Equipe.
It’s never possible to rejoice fully after a defeat, because you have to take points and move on. But you also have to be fair and keep the positives when they exist. For Saint-Etienne, there is plenty to be optimistic about, despite their current 16th-place position.
Horneland has managed to breathe new energy into the team since his arrival a few weeks ago, and he’s been able to put PSG to the sword at times. That’s no mean feat. Even if the Parisians could have inflicted a heavier defeat if they had been a little more accurate in their finishing.
Still, it’s an interesting performance for Saint-Etienne, who should feel no shame in losing at home to the leaders. Above all, there was audacity and playfulness, which will be of great interest to the newly-promoted club as it seeks to maintain its status.
