AS Saint-Étienne (ASSE) has confirmed the return of winger Ben Old to team training as the squad prepares for its second pre-season friendly match. The New Zealand international’s reappearance on the pitch marks a significant step for the club’s tactical preparations under the direction of manager Olivier Dall’Oglio as they ready the roster for the upcoming Ligue 1 campaign.
The training session, held at the club’s L’Etrat facility, also featured participation from recent arrivals and squad members including Thierno Ballo and Igor Miladinovic. These sessions are critical for the coaching staff to assess physical conditioning and tactical cohesion before the team faces further competition. According to the club’s official communications, the integration of both returning players and new signings remains a priority during this phase of the pre-season calendar.
Integrating New Talent into the ASSE Squad
The return of Ben Old provides a boost to the squad’s attacking depth. Old, who joined the club following a tenure with Wellington Phoenix in the A-League, has been identified by the club’s recruitment team as a versatile option for the forward line. His presence in training is part of a broader effort to acclimate new personnel to the intensity of French professional football.
Alongside Old, the involvement of Thierno Ballo and Igor Miladinovic signals the club’s strategy to bolster its midfield and creative options. Ballo, formerly of Wolfsberger AC, brings experience from the Austrian Bundesliga, while Miladinovic arrives from FK Čukarički in Serbia. The coaching staff is currently monitoring their adaptation to the team’s defensive and transition structures, which are central to the tactical identity Dall’Oglio has implemented since taking charge.
Pre-season Objectives and Tactical Preparation
For ASSE, the second pre-season match serves as a barometer for the work completed during the initial weeks of training. The primary objective at this stage is to refine the high-pressing system and defensive organization that will be required to compete at the top flight of French football. With the Ligue 1 season approaching, the focus is on minimizing individual errors and ensuring that new arrivals understand their defensive responsibilities within the team’s 4-3-3 or 4-2-3-1 formations.
The club has emphasized that these friendly matches are not merely about results, but about building physical endurance and tactical rhythm. Players are currently undergoing rigorous fitness testing to ensure they meet the physiological demands of the 2024-2025 season. As confirmed by the club’s performance department, the scheduling of these sessions is designed to peak player readiness for the league opener.
What Comes Next for the Squad
The team is scheduled to continue its training rotation throughout the week, with further assessments planned for players carrying minor knocks or returning from extended leave. Supporters can expect official updates regarding the squad list and tactical adjustments via the club’s official channels ahead of the second pre-season fixture. For those following the club’s progress, official match reports and post-match comments from the manager will be published directly on the ASSE website following the conclusion of the game.
This period of preparation is vital for ASSE to establish a solid foundation before the competitive fixtures begin. As the team integrates its new signings and welcomes back returning players, the focus remains on achieving a cohesive performance that reflects the club’s ambitions for the new season. We encourage readers to share their thoughts on the new squad additions in the comments below.
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