Eirik Horneland has officially left his position as head coach of Brann to take the reins at French club saint-Étienne, signing a contract that extends until 2027. This transition comes shortly after Horneland announced his departure from Brann,expressing a desire for new challenges in his coaching career. Accompanying him to France is Hassan El Fakiri, Brann’s assistant coach and player development expert, who aims to enhance his skills before perhaps returning to Brann in the future. The move has raised concerns among experts, highlighting the notable impact of their departure on the Norwegian club.in a significant shift for SK Brann, head coach Eirik Horneland and player development leader el Fakiri are set to join French club Saint-Étienne, marking the end of an era in Bergen. Horneland’s tenure culminated in a silver medal finish in the Eliteserien, following a 1-1 draw against Viking at home. El Fakiri, who has been with Brann for nearly 15 years as both a player and coach, expressed gratitude for his time at the club, hoping for a future reunion rather than a farewell. Football expert Carl-Erik Torp highlighted the potential crisis for Brann, emphasizing the importance of continuity in the coaching staff and the critical nature of the upcoming coaching decision for the club’s future trajectory.In a recent analysis, football expert Carl-Erik Torp emphasized the need for brann to undertake a thorough and strategic approach in securing effective coaches for the upcoming season. he highlighted that simply hiring a triumphant coach from another club is insufficient; the club must find someone who aligns with it’s culture and is genuinely committed to the team’s success. Torp noted the importance of stabilizing the team dynamics to avoid setbacks, especially after the departure of coach Horneland, who maximized player potential. Simultaneously occurring, Saint-Étienne has made headlines by parting ways with coach Olivier Dal’Oglio following a series of disappointing results, leaving the club in a precarious position.Struggling Ligue 1 club Saint-Étienne has appointed Norwegian coach Eirik Horneland as their new manager, following the dismissal of Olivier Dall’Oglio. Horneland, who previously led Brann to success in Norway, faces the daunting task of revitalizing a team currently at the bottom of the league table. With a crucial derby match against Lyon approaching, the club hopes Horneland can turn their fortunes around and avoid relegation. The team’s next fixture is set for January 4 against Reims, where fans will be eager to see if the new leadership can spark a turnaround in performance and morale.
Time.news Q&A: The Departure of eirik Horneland and It’s Implications for Brann and Saint-Étienne
Editor: Today, we discuss the recent coaching changes in European football, notably focusing on Eirik Horneland’s move from SK Brann to AS Saint-Étienne. With us is Carl-Erik Torp, a football expert and analyst. Carl-Erik, can you start by outlining the significance of Horneland’s departure from Brann?
Carl-Erik Torp: Absolutely. Eirik horneland’s exit from Brann marks a pivotal moment for the club. He guided them to a silver medal finish in the Eliteserien—a notable achievement for Brann, who have struggled historically. His departure creates a vacuum, both in leadership and tactical direction, particularly as Brann will also be losing Hassan El Fakiri, a key figure in player growth who has spent nearly 15 years at the club.
Editor: Speaking of El Fakiri,how critical is his departure alongside Horneland for Brann’s future?
Carl-Erik Torp: It’s quiet substantial. El Fakiri has been integral in developing players and sustaining the club’s culture. His move highlights Brann’s need to reassess not just their coaching staff but their overall strategy moving forward. Continuity in coaching is crucial, especially considering the potential disruption in team dynamics that could arise from these changes.
Editor: Now, turning to Saint-Étienne, why do you think they opted for Horneland at this time, especially after the difficulties they faced under Olivier Dall’Oglio?
Carl-Erik Torp: Saint-Étienne’s decision to hire horneland is a strategic one. They are currently at the bottom of Ligue 1, and they needed someone who could shake things up and bring fresh ideas. Horneland has a reputation for maximizing player potential, which is essential for a club looking to avoid relegation. He also brings experience from a successful spell in Norway, which might resonate well with the club’s aspirations to stay competitive in Ligue 1.
Editor: Horneland signed a contract until 2027. What does this long-term vision imply for Saint-Étienne, especially given their current position?
Carl-Erik Torp: This long-term contract indicates that the club is committed to a rebuild. they need stability and a coach who can implement changes over time. With a crucial derby against Lyon coming up and a match against Reims shortly after, the immediate focus will be on transforming morale and results. However, the longer-term vision is about establishing a competitive foundation that will secure their place in top-flight football.
Editor: With both clubs in the midst of notable transitions, what practical advice would you offer to Brann in their search for a new coach?
Carl-Erik Torp: Brann must be strategic in their selection process. It’s essential to find a coach who not only has a track record of success but also understands the club’s culture and values. Hiring someone whose coaching beliefs aligns with the existing structure is key to avoiding further instability. Moreover, they should involve stakeholders from different facets of the club to ensure that the new coach can effectively galvanize support from players, staff, and fans alike.
Editor: As a final thought, what can fans expect from Horneland at Saint-Étienne?
carl-erik Torp: Fans should look forward to a revitalized team that focuses on maximizing the potential of individual players. Horneland is known for fostering a strong team spirit and implementing tactical awareness, which are crucial for climbing out of a relegation battle. While immediate results are imperative, his appointment signals a commitment to developing a competitive squad in the long run.
Editor: Thank you, carl-Erik, for your insights into this crucial moment for both Brann and Saint-Étienne. It will be interesting to see how these transitions unfold in the coming months.