In the wake of Les Verts' qualification for next season's UEFA Europa League at the weekend, ASSE co-president Bernard Caiazzo has confirmed reports that coach Jean-Louis Gasset will be stepping down at the end of the season.
The man in the cap will no longer be gracing the home dugout at the Stade Geoffroy-Guichard next season, having opted to call time on his remarkable 18-month adventure in the Rhône valley. AS Saint-Etienne co-president Bernard Caiazzo confirmed Tuesday reports that had been leaked to the press.
"Unfortunately, the coach told us that he is 65 years old and wants to retire and spend time with his family," explained Caiazzo, in Washington DC for a Ligue 1 Conforama promotional exercise with the LFP. "We're very sad today. But we understand and we respect his decision. Football is a wonderful things but you also have to deal with the realities of life."
Stunning run
Gasset, who for a long time worked as assistant coach alongside Laurent Blanc, took the reins at Sainté in December of 2017, after being brought in in the wake of Oscar Garcia's unsuccessful stint at the helm. He guided the club to a seventh-placed finish that season before whipping his squad into shape over the summer and producing one of the club's best recent seasons - fourth place and a return to European competition (UEFA Europa League).
A number of players, including influential midfielder Yann M'Vila, have declared their intention to leave the club should Gasset not be there next season, so it will be an interesting summer in Le Forez as ASSE look to maintain or build a competitive squad for the numerous challenges that next season will bring.
