The fear of relegation back to Ligue 2 looms over AS Saint-Étienne, however, that does not threaten the long-term project at the club, as the owner, Larry Tanenbaum, told L’Équipe.
Tanenbaum is the CEO of Kilmer Sports Ventures, who bought Saint-Étienne last summer, at the time that Les Verts secured their return to Ligue 1 after two seasons in Ligue 2. There was investment in the summer, too. Whilst fellow promoted sides AJ Auxerre and SCO Angers spent little – the latter spending nothing at all – Saint-Étienne invested in players such as Lucas Stassin and Zuriko Davitashvili; neither came cheap.
However, despite that investment, Sainté have been involved in a relegation battle all season. With four games remaining, ASSE are in 17th and on course for relegation. However, they are level on points with Le Havre AC, who currently occupy the relegation play-off spot.
Regardless of Saint-Étienne’s short-term fate, Tanenbaum insists on a more long-term outlook and emphasises his commitment to the club. “Relegation to Ligue 2? It would be a setback, but it wouldn’t change anything in our project. It isn’t a one-year investment but about building a generation capable of winning trophies. What we have to do is continue to build and plan for the future. That that requires more money or more time is part of our plan,” he began.
He added, “A return to Europe? Yes, but I imagine that your real question is when? We are patient. Patience is an indispensable quality in this world, but it isn’t worth anything without ambition.”
GFFN | Luke Entwistle
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