After an exciting 2021-2022 financial year, Stade Rennais is starting the Ligue 1 season with high ambitions. The vast majority of the starting eleven who made Roazhon Park dream with exceptional offensive performances are still there. But one unknown remains: the Rennais will have to deal with a completely redesigned defensive axis for the season, starting this Sunday against Lorient.
Automatisms still to be built
Fairly early in the transfer window, Stade Rennais has registered the reinforcement of 37-year-old goalkeeper Steve Mandanda. The reigning world champion came to bring his experience, and take the place of Alfred Gomis, unwanted after two disappointing seasons in the Red and Black jersey. With the departure of Aguerd for West Ham and the long-term injury of Warmed Omari, Stade Rennais was forced to recruit two central defenders before the start of the championship. thing done with thehe arrivals of Arthur Theate (Bologna) and Joe Rodon on loan (Tottenham) between the end of July and the beginning of August. They join Loïc Badé, who had to deal with very young partners throughout the preparation matches.
Problem: The two players could not be lined up together in friendlies. “These are important strategic positions, recognizes Bruno Genesio. This is where we have a part of the unknown, because these are players who have evolved very little together and we know the importance of the complicity of a hinge. We’ll see what happens regardless of the two players who will be aligned.“
And the Rennes coach knows it well, to build these automatisms, nothing replaces competition: “We know we need matches. Whether it’s Joe with Loïc, Joe with Arthur, Arthur with Loïc… There were very few associations in the matches. It’s a bit annoying for a hinge but there you go, these are players who have a little maturity and who also know how to adapt.“
A chance for Loïc Badé
These late arrivals combined with the absence of Warmed Omari offer a golden opportunity to Loïc Badé. After a disappointing first season, the former Lensois must now assert himself, to justify the investment made last summer. Competition with Welsh international Joe Rodon will be tough in the right axis of defense. Loïc Badé should also start against Lorient this Sunday.
From his defense, and his eleven, Bruno Genesio expects, among other things, better retreat runs and greater vigilance on crosses. We hope that the message will be heard to win this derby and start the season in the best possible way.