Saint-Étienne has established itself as the undisputed leader of Ligue2, and according to Robert Malm, the key to this success lies in the intelligent management of the club and the presence of a top goalkeeper. In an exclusive interview given to *But!* and *La Gazette des Courses*, Malm, host of the “Monsieur Ligue2” series on beINSports, explains why ASSE seems above its competitors this season.
President Ivan Gazidis has long been compared to a “PSG of Ligue2”, but Malm maintains that Kilmer SportsVentures investors have spent their funds wisely. He emphasizes that the restructuring of the club, in particular the arrival of Jean-FrançoisSoucasse and LoïcPerrin, made it possible to place the right people in the right positions. “They didn’t do things backwards,” says Malm, and acknowledges that a hard blow in Ligue1 hurt the project, but that the managers did not panic by firing all the staff or players.
Among the players who illustrate this stability, Malm cites JulienLeCardinal, who became captain after a successful loan, and GautierLarsonneur, whom he describes as the essential goalkeeper for ASSE. According to him, the defense has long missed too many chances, but Larsonneur helped to recover many points last season, showing "miraculous" performances even in Ligue 1. Malm insists that the goalkeeper is a pillar of the team and that he deserves to be kept as long as possible.
Summer recruitment was also praised. Malm congratulates the signing of JakobBreum, whom he calls a “great find”, as well as players like Csongvai, Svetlin and young Ballo, who bring talent and versatility. He also mentions Davitashvili, who managed to stay focused despite a difficult start, and the “little wonder” KévinPédro, a player who is both technical and exemplary off the field.
Finally, Malm evokes the electrifying atmosphere of the Saint-Etienne supporters. He recalls the match against Montpellier, where ASSE won 3-1 on September 5, and where the crowd was one of the largest in France. According to him, fan loyalty remains a major asset, even after non-promotion to Ligue1 last season. He concludes by affirming that ASSE is now well positioned to continue its rise, thanks to a cohesive team, judicious recruitment and a world-class goalkeeper.