ASSE Pre-Season Review: Standouts, Venise Victory, and Ligue 2 Readiness

The match served as the final test for manager Ian Cathro before the club begins its campaign in Ligue 2, highlighting the emergence of Maxime Bernauer and the form of Breum in the midfield.

Maxime Bernauer Emerges Under Ian Cathro

Maxime Bernauer has become a focal point of the pre-season as a surprise discovery for manager Ian Cathro, according to reporting from Peuple-Vert.fr. Bernauer’s integration into the squad has shifted expectations regarding the team’s depth in the center of the pitch.

Analysis from Le Progrès identifies Bernauer as one of the primary patrons of the midfield during the preparation phase. His performance in the lead-up to the Ligue 2 restart suggests he has secured a role in Cathro’s tactical plans, contrasting with other positions that remain unsettled.

Results of the Final Preparation Match Against Venezia

Saint-Étienne faced Venezia in their final friendly match before the league restart, as reported by L’Équipe. The match resulted in a victory for ASSE, characterized by a high volume of goals.

Le Dauphiné Libéré described the performance as a festival of goals, specifically noting that Breum used the match to establish his presence and readiness for the competitive season. Breum joined Bernauer as one of the standout performers in the midfield during this final outing.

Roster Analysis and Positional Concerns

While the midfield has shown stability, other areas of the pitch remain a concern for the coaching staff. Le Progrès reports that there are still doubts regarding the full-backs, marking a contrast between the confidence in the central midfield and the uncertainty on the flanks.

The pre-season “tops and flops” identified by Le Progrès place Breum and Bernauer at the top of the list for their consistency and impact. Conversely, the lack of a settled rotation at the lateral positions is viewed as a primary weakness heading into the season opener.

The team’s offensive output against Venezia suggests a high level of confidence in the attacking transitions, though the defensive stability of the wing-backs remains the priority for Ian Cathro in the final days before the Ligue 2 schedule begins.