Is Ian Cathro the missing piece in ASSE’s revival? | OneFootball

AS Saint-Étienne have appointed Ian Cathro from Estoril, doubling down on Kilmer Sports Ventures’ preference for an attack-minded leader of men. According to Le Progres, Cathro has spent more than 10 years across Europe and Saudi Arabia, earning a reputation as a clear thinker who is well regarded in dressing rooms.

The move follows the short-lived Eirik Horneland experiment, his bonhomie and energy fading too quickly for the project. Saint-Étienne are again banking on a unifier with offensive intent.

Joao Moutinho, who worked with Cathro at Wolverhampton, describes him as multilingual and a natural connector, available and fully committed to players and club. He notes Cathro assisted Nuno Espirito Santo for three years, focused on individual work and won players’ trust.

Turning those qualities into results as a No 1 is another matter. His head-coach record is modest so far, limited to short stints at Heart of Midlothian in Scotland and in Portugal.

Even so, ASSE have handed him a two-year contract, something not extended to Philippe Montanier, who appeared to offer more guarantees.

Source: Le Progres