This Thursday evening, the cauldron will once again be sold out, for the seventh time in a row. 37,000 spectators are expected to see AS Saint-Étienne, 3rd in Ligue 2 this season, play the play-off for accession to Ligue 1, against FC Metz, 16th in Ligue 1. A double confrontation since there will be a return match on Sunday, which could allow the Greens, a legendary club in the French championship, to return to the elite, two years after dropping out.
“I fell into the Green pot”
In Saint-Étienne, the whole city lives to the rhythm of the club because the passion for the Greens is immense, as Mickaël explains. “It has always been a football town. In my family, we were supporters of the Greens. And I fell into the Green pot, as they say! My daughters play football, they are for the Greens, the little ones four-year-olds sing ‘go Greens!’ I think the succession is assured!”, he enthuses.
“This year, it can do it”
Ligue 1 is within reach of the Greens, believes Enola, 23, a supporter since she was little. “I think that this year, it can do it. In any case, I believe in it! With the audience that we have… When we say that there are 12 of us, there are really 12! And tonight , I know there will be 12 of us! Since I was a kid, football has been in my genes, and Green, even more so! [cette passion] to my children too. I have a green heart and I will have it all my life!” she says.
An audience that plays a real role during matches, confirms midfielder Dylan Chambost. “It’s important, at home, to take everyone with us. And I think that with the support of the public, for the opposing team, it’s not easy…”, slips – he. Supporters, like Isabelle and Elvis, are already ready to speak out: “Who are the strongest? Obviously, it’s the Greens…” they sing.