Coach Ian Cathro Unhappy With Fans' "Olé" Chants During Big Win

Ian Cathro, the head coach of AS Saint-Étienne (ASSE), has expressed his disapproval of how some supporters reacted during his team's recent match against Grenoble Foot 38.

ASSE secured a convincing victory over Grenoble, and during the game, fans at the Geoffroy-Guichard stadium began singing "olé" chants, a tradition often associated with teams that are dominating a match through confident passing and control.

However, Cathro did not welcome this reaction from supporters. Speaking after the match, he stated, "I did not find that it was the right moment, nor the right way," referring to the timing and manner of the chants.

The coach did not elaborate extensively on his reasoning, but his remarks imply a preference for a more measured or serious demeanor from fans, even in moments of clear dominance on the pitch.

Beyond his comments on the chants, Cathro also addressed his players and supporters more broadly regarding how the club should approach the result. He urged the team not to become complacent after the win.

"Do not be satisfied with this victory, but look forward," Cathro said, emphasizing that the focus should remain on upcoming fixtures rather than dwelling on the current success.

This dual message — criticizing the fan reaction while also cautioning his squad against complacency — suggests that Cathro is aiming to instill a culture of continuous improvement and seriousness within the club, regardless of the scoreline.

Saint-Étienne, whose supporters are traditionally known as "les Verts" due to the club's green colors, play their home matches at the Geoffroy-Guichard stadium, one of the most storied venues in French football and a site known for its passionate fan base.

The comments come amid what appears to be a strong result for ASSE, though the coach's remarks highlight his intent to maintain discipline and focus within the team's environment, rather than allowing any single victory, however large, to shift the club's broader mentality.

While the specific details of the score and match events were not extensively outlined, Cathro's reaction underscores an ongoing effort to manage both player mentality and fan expectations as the season progresses.