For his debut as AS Saint-Étienne’s head coach, Eirik Horneland started with an impressive 3-1 victory against Reims. Despite trailing at halftime after a goal from Nakamura (42’), the Greens turned the game around with a brace from Boakye (50’, 57’) and a goal from Stassin (81’). This win lifts Saint-Étienne to 14th place, while Reims remains winless in their last five matches.
For this first match, Eirik Horneland placed his trust in Moroccan international Benjamin Bouchouari, who started in midfield. The player seized the opportunity, delivering an outstanding performance. Calm and effective in both offensive and defensive transitions, Bouchouari was a key contributor to the victory. Impressed by his display, the Norwegian coach kept him on the pitch for the entire match, highlighting the growing importance of the Moroccan in the Saint-Étienne squad. This performance is likely to solidify his role as a key figure in the Forez club.
