Gnagnon was signed by Claude Puel before he was sacked
Joris Gnagnon was reportedly mistaken for security guard after arriving 20kg overweight following his move to Saint-Étienne in January.
As reported by Le Parisien, Gnagnon – who was sacked by Sevilla in September after long-term concerns over the player’s professionalism and physical condition – has ‘raised a few questions’ since his arrival at the Geoffroy Stadium.
The free-agent defender joined the club in the winter transfer window on a deal running until the end of the season. The 25-year-old was signed by Claude Puel prior to his sacking.
However, Gnagnon is yet to make an appearances for the Ligue 1 side and is said to have arrived 20kg overweight, with one teammate reportedly mistaking him for a security guard at first – claiming that “he was very plump”.
A teammate mistook Joris Gnagnon for a security guard after he arrived 20kg overweight when signing for Saint-Étienne 🤯 pic.twitter.com/iM8R95Bniy
— Birdie (@birdiefootball) February 2, 2022
While the report adds that Gnagnon has since improved his fitness, he it still not quite match fit. This has seen manager Pascal Dupraz add to his ranks with the addition of former Manchester City man Eliaquim Mangala.
Saint-Étienne have endured a nightmare campaign so far, winning just three of their opening 22 matches – scoring just 19 goals.
The Greens currently sit 20th in the Ligue 1 table, five points behind 17th placed Bordeaux.
They were also knocked out of the French Cup by Championnat National 2 side Bergerac Périgord on Sunday.
Related links:
- Saint-Etienne game delayed as fans throw flares on pitch in protest against Claude Puel
- Saint-Etienne fans give manager Claude Puel “24 hours to resign”
- Pochettino claims Ligue 1 is even more physical than the Premier League
