Philippe Montanier Appointed Head Coach of Les Verts

A player for AS Saint-Étienne during the 1999–2000 season, Philippe Montanier is returning to Les Verts. But two and a half decades later, the former goalkeeper is coming back on the touchline, taking charge of ASSE’s men’s professional side. A new chapter for a coach whose career is already richly decorated.

A goalkeeper for nearly 13 years—most notably with Caen, Toulouse and Gueugnon—Philippe Montanier brought his playing career to an end in Green after one final season, serving as the “big brother” in the goalkeeping unit alongside Jérôme Alonzo and Jérémie Janot. He then quickly found his calling on the bench, working alongside his first and last manager as a player: Robert Nouzaret, whose assistant he became for several seasons, at Toulouse, Bastia, and with the Ivory Coast national team.

In 2004, Philippe Montanier stepped up as head coach. First at Boulogne, where he achieved back-to-back promotions to Ligue 2 and then Ligue 1, and then at Valenciennes, where he also enjoyed a strong spell. The first major turning point of his coaching career took him to Spain, with Real Sociedad. With the Basque club, the French coach reached the UEFA Champions League qualifiers and notably helped launch the long career of a certain Antoine Griezmann.

Back in France with Stade Rennais, and later spells with Nottingham Forest, the French Football Federation, Lens and Standard de Liège, Philippe Montanier experienced his finest moments as a coach with Toulouse FC. With Les Violets, the Vernon native can boast an outstanding promotion to Ligue 1, marked by two records: the most wins in a Ligue 2 season (23) and the highest number of goals scored in a Ligue 2 campaign (82). The following season, alongside a comfortable survival, Philippe Montanier also delivered a Coupe de France title for his club—66 years after their previous triumph.

Now, it is in Green that Philippe Montanier’s future will be written. He will meet the squad this afternoon, accompanied by his assistant coach, Stéphane Lièvre.

The entire club wishes them a warm welcome!

Philippe Montanier: “Joining AS Saint-Étienne is a moment of great pride for me. This club is defined by its history and the intensity of its supporters, but I was also personally moved by the sincerity of the leadership and the ambitious project currently taking shape. My goal is to channel that into results. I arrive with total determination to serve the collective and begin working today to deliver what the club and its fans deserve”

Ivan Gazidis: “We are delighted to welcome Philippe Montanier to AS Saint-Étienne. A coach of international caliber, Philippe brings a wealth of experience across diverse leagues and cultures—expertise that is perfectly balanced by his exceptional human qualities. Philippe will play a pivotal role in our evolution.”