Eirik Horneland: "We can't afford calculations"

Injured players list update

Lucas Stassin is out for the upcoming match due to a muscular issue. He has been rested in recent weeks and has not trained since the Strasbourg game. It's uncertain whether he will return before the end of the season. As a young player, we hope for a swift recovery, but with only a few weeks left, we'll assess his situation daily. Benjamin Bouchouari continues his rehabilitation with the medical staff and is expected to return to training on Monday. Augustine Boakye remains sidelined. Dennis Appiah, who missed today's (Thursday) training, is experiencing neck discomfort but should resume training on Friday.

Coping without Lucas Stassin

Losing Lucas (Stassin) is unfortunate, as he has been decisive for the team lately. He works diligently and adapts well to his role. Now, the position is open. Djylian N’Guessan, Ibrahima Wadji, and Ibrahim Sissoko are available options. Djylian (N’Guessan) closely resembles Lucas Stassin's profile, Ibrahima Wadji offers depth, and Ibrahim Sissoko provides a solid focal point. We'll decide on Saturday who to start with. Irvin Cardona is also able of playing in this position.

The Importance of Saint-Étienne-Monaco 

Every point is crucial; we must fight for every ball, regardless of the opponent. With only three matches remaining, time is of the essence. We can't afford to strategize for future games against Reims and Toulouse; we need points now to ensure our survival. This match is highly significant.

This Weekend's Opponent

Monaco is a formidable team with significant potential, featuring athletic players who are aggressive in counter-pressing and well-connected. They play with high intensity, both with and without the ball. To compete with them, we'll need to be at our best.

The Role of the Stade Geoffroy-Guichard

I believe we didn't capitalize on our victory against Lyon, a match that demanded a lot from us physically and mentally. We failed to prepare the team adequately for the Strasbourg game. Hopefully, the stadium will provide us with the energy we need on Saturday. We must also engage the crowd by playing football that energizes the fans. It's a significant pressure, but if we succeed, I believe we can defeat Monaco.