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SportsSaint-Étienne lose 0-1 to Servette in preseason friendly
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Saint-Étienne suffered a 0-1 defeat to Servette in a closed-door preseason friendly in Geneva. The team, described as physically drained after 21 training sessions, created almost no danger and managed only one shot on target, from Lucas Stassin in the 34th minute. Servette opened the scoring in the 32nd minute through Miroslav Stevanovic after a risky clearance by Joao Ferreira. Saint-Étienne's coach Ian Cathro made several changes at halftime and the 63rd minute, leading to disorganization. The team struggled with ball circulation and lost possession frequently. Despite the loss, the coach emphasized the goal of facing teams ready for competition to find solutions. The next friendly is scheduled against Rangers in Glasgow on Wednesday evening.
Source report
Greens Show Signs of Fatigue in Second Pre-Season Defeat
After 21 training sessions since the restart on July 1—including a Saturday morning session focused on set pieces—the "Greens" are showing signs of fatigue. Unsurprisingly, they lost their second pre-season match this evening in Geneva, played behind closed doors against Servette (1-0).
The closed-door setting allowed spectators to hear, reminiscent of the Covid-19 era, the frequent shouts of goalkeeper Gautier Larsonneur, who has been stripped of the captaincy in favor of Julien Le Cardinal.
Match Summary
The Stéphanois were admittedly unhappy with referee Mr. Maxime Odiet, but they failed to create any clear chances. They recorded only one shot on target—from Lucas Stassin (34th minute). After the 30th minute, they lost the thread of the match, allowing Miroslav Stevanovic to open the scoring. Stevanovic found himself alone in front of goal following a risky clearance from Joao Ferreira down the middle for Maxim Bernauer (1-0, 32nd).
Coach's Perspective
The "Greens" struggled against a much sharper Servette side, which will begin its Championship campaign against Basel on July 25. That, however, is precisely the purpose of Saint-Étienne's preparation.
"Encounter difficulties against teams ready for competition and constantly adapt to find solutions," summarized coach Ian Cathro after the match.
Missed Opportunities
The scoreline could have been wider. Servette right winger Mathis Lambourde squandered two clear chances (60th, 69th), and striker Samuel Mraz, completely isolated, mishit his shot from seven meters out.
Tactical Adjustments
Cathro remains in a phase of research and experimentation. He made two significant changes at halftime:
- Kévin Pedro returned to his right-back position from last season, replacing Ferreira. The coach says he has no certainty about his usage.
- Irvin Cardona came in on the right flank at the expense of Adam Baallal.
Seven changes at the 63rd minute further distorted analysis of the match's end, as they reinforced the team's disorganization.
Areas for Improvement
In their 4-4-2 formation, Saint-Étienne insisted far too much on playing through the middle and lost possession during the final 60 minutes. Their ball circulation still leaves much to be desired.
However, it is too early for hasty conclusions. A clearer picture of their level will emerge on Wednesday evening against Rangers in Glasgow (8:45 PM)—a friendly match, but this time with an audience.
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Saint-Étienne Loses Preseason Friendly to Servette in Geneva