Saint-Étienne wins 3-0 in Ian Cathro’s coaching debut

New coaches dream about debuts like this. Ian Cathro’s first competitive match as AS Saint-Étienne head coach produced a 3-0 demolition of FC Sochaux-Montbéliard, with all three goals arriving in a blistering six-minute window during the first half.

The August 8 season opener at Sochaux’s ground was over as a contest before the half-hour mark, a result that suggests Cathro’s summer preparation has already paid dividends for a club desperate to claw its way back to Ligue 1.

Six minutes, three goals, game over

Jakob Breum broke the deadlock in the 22nd minute, and from there the floodgates opened with startling speed. Irvin Cardona doubled the lead just two minutes later, then completed a brace at the 28-minute mark to make it 3-0.

Who is Ian Cathro?

Cathro is not exactly a household name outside of coaching circles, but he has been a recognizable figure in European football for years. The Scottish manager previously held the top job at both Heart of Midlothian in Scotland and Estoril Praia in Portugal, compiling 23 wins across 71 matches during his time in Portugal.

His appointment on June 8, 2026, came with a contract running through 2028, giving him a two-year runway to execute what amounts to a rebuilding project. He replaced Philippe Montanier, whose tenure ended with the club’s painful drop out of France’s top flight.

A ten-time French league champion, Saint-Étienne is one of those clubs where the size of the trophy cabinet doesn’t quite match its current division.

Disclosure: This article was edited by Editorial Team. For more information on how we create and review content, see our Editorial Policy.