Europe Awaits

The Summer of 2013

After the exhausting but triumphant season, Julien took Laura and little Camille on a well-deserved holiday to the sun-drenched beaches of southern Spain. The sound of the waves, the haze of sand, and the easy laughter of his family set the scene for reflection: he was 33, and acutely aware that each summer brought him closer to the final chapters of his playing career.

The contract extension signed the previous summer—after lifting the Coupe de la Ligue—meant Julien would have another shot at showing himself on the European stage, even after the misadventure with Bochum a few years prior that had nearly ended his continental ambitions. He knew this could be his last real opportunity to make an impression outside France.

Back in Saint-Étienne, change was in the air. The club bid farewell to Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, their electric striker, who moved to Borussia Dortmund for a club-record fee. Right winger Bănel Nicoliță left on loan to Nantes, while Josuha Guilavogui joined Atlético Madrid, marking a significant loss in midfield. In came Franck Tabanou from Toulouse, Benjamin Corgnet from Lorient, Paul Baysse from Brest, and the promising forward Mevlüt Erdinç from Rennes—all ready to reshape the team.

As July turned, Saint-Étienne’s pre-season kicked off with an intensive training camp in the Alps. For two weeks, the squad rose early for tactical drills and grueling fitness sessions on the mountain pitches. Julien felt the effect of every run and every touch, but also the camaraderie as old and new faces gelled into a united group. Christophe Galtier kept the atmosphere focused but upbeat, aware of the opportunity ahead in Europe.

The camp culminated in a series of friendlies where the new arrivals made an immediate impact. Julien started the opening game against Servette, testing his fitness and timing. Tabanou’s crosses and Erdinç’s movement quickly caught the eye, as Saint-Étienne swept their Swiss hosts aside 2–0.

A few days later, against Nîmes, Julien played the second half, picking up a smart assist with a well-placed through ball for Corgnet’s first goal in green. The final test came against Charleroi, where a strong defensive performance and a late Erdinç winner gave the team a 1–0 victory—the perfect end to pre-season.

As preseason unfolded, there was genuine excitement around the squad’s new-look midfield and attack—even if Paul Baysse would miss much of the autumn after a serious injury. The press tipped Saint-Étienne as outside contenders for the Champions League places, with their strong defense and a hungry group of new arrivals.

For Julien, the anticipation was tinged with urgency. He realized the chance to play in Europe—likely for the last time—was not just about legacy, but about proving to himself and his fans that he still belonged at the highest level.

He returned to France determined, quietly savoring the possibility that one final adventure awaited in the green of Les Verts.

See you next time with Julien's return to European football for the first time since 2004!