Ian Cathro demands Saint-Etienne players learn French

New Saint-Etienne head coach Ian Cathro has set clear expectations for team communication. The Scottish manager, who is learning French himself, is requiring his players to stop using English as a default language in the dressing room.

With nearly twenty different nationalities in the squad, Cathro acknowledges the challenge but insists that integration into the local culture is a professional duty.

"It is essential, because we are in France and in Saint-Etienne. Respect for the country and its culture are very important. Saint-Etienne is not a normal club. I believe it is a much more special club," — Ian Cathro.

The coach clarified that he does not expect players to spend their entire time studying languages, as their primary job is to play football. However, he emphasized that players should not choose the easy route. According to Cathro, those joining the club should not expect an "easy life."

Defender Sohaib Naïr admitted that the transition is a work in progress. While not every player is fluent enough yet to converse exclusively in French, the group is showing genuine willingness to adapt. On the pitch, players continue to mix languages to ensure tactical clarity during matches.