Long in contention for the podium, Stade Rennais finished fourth last year. Engaged this season in the Europa League, the Breton club wants to confirm its status as an attractive team. After an average summer preparation (three wins, two losses), Bruno Genesio’s players start the season with a reception from Lorient, Sunday August 7 at 5:05 p.m.
The objective: to find the C1 and to raise the crowds in the Europa League
The discovery of the Champions League, two years ago, gave wings to Rennais. The Reds and Blacks just missed the target last year and intend to get involved in the race again. “The minimum objective is to qualify for a European Cup”, said coach Bruno Genesio at a press conference. At the end of his first full season, the former Lyon technician extended for two years.
In addition to discounting the C1 through the championship, Stade Rennais wants to appear in the Europa League. It will thus be a question of maintaining this beautiful European dynamic, Rennes having signed attractive courses in recent seasons (round of 16 in the Europa League conference in 2022 and in the Europa League in 2019). In this sense, the nature of summer oppositions owes nothing to chance. With Augsburg, Friborg and Aston Villa, the Bretons have rubbed shoulders with opponents “very rewarding”says Genesio. “It is typically the level of a team that we will face”said the coach in West Franceat the end of the match against the Villans.
Player to watch: Martin Terrier, confirmation?
Author of 21 goals in Ligue 1, Martin Terrier has finally reached the milestone expected last year. He was the figurehead of a perfectly rehearsed attack. With Gaëtan Laborde, Benjamin Bourigeaud or even Serhou Guirassy, the Bretons scored 82 times over the last exercise, titillating PSG (90 goals). These beautiful promises must be confirmed over time. And in this game, Terrier, often inconstant since the beginning of his career, can definitely dispel doubts about him.
The ex-Lyonnais is having a blast in Brittany. The freedom conferred by the role of second attacker in the system of Genesio suits him perfectly. And, despite some rumors, the idyll should continue. “It’s flattering to see big clubs take an interest in you, but I’m good here”confirmed the interested party after a friendly against Caen at a press conference.
The rookie: Steve Mandanda, the surprise to reassure the defense
Last year, goalkeeper Alfred Gomis did not convince Genesio. To overcome the shortcomings of the Senegalese, guilty of a few errors, Stade Rennais has enlisted the veteran Steve Mandanda (37 years old). A transfer not really expected, as we imagined the doorman finishing his career in Marseille. “I felt it was the right timehas insisted the French international in a press conference. The club is ambitious, it wants to play in the European Cup and so do I”.
His arrival in Brittany should reassure a sometimes friable Rennes defense last year – “sonly” tied fifth rearguard in the championship. The rock Nayef Aguerd left for West Ham, Rennes will need stalwarts in its back lines. To support Mandanda, the Breton club has formalized the arrivals of Arthur Theate (Bologna) and Joe Rodon (on loan from Tottenham) Their integration is quickly expected, especially as the holder Warmed Omari will miss the start of the season through injury.
The 11 type:
To be updated according to recruits