Jorge Sampaoli is very close to becoming the new coach of Stade Rennais. A surprising and above all risky choice given the Argentinian's character. Emmanuel Petit can't wait for this association to start.
Journey into unknown territory for Stade Rennais. Accustomed to favoring French coaches for several decades, the Breton club is close to appointing Argentinian Jorge Sampaoli to replace Julien Stéphan. Over the last 70 years, Rennes had only used two foreign coaches Vahid Halilhodzic and Laszlo Boloni, two French speakers accustomed to Ligue 1. Jorge Sampaoli does not speak a word of French. However, this aspect appears almost anecdotal in comparison to his character. Very expressive, even volcanic, Sampaoli has often had difficulty completing his contracts.
Manu Petit validates the Sampaoli choice
He only stayed one year at OM, the fault of recruitment that was not ambitious enough in his eyes. A longer adventure than the following ones, in Seville and Flamengo. He was fired after just 5 months by the Andalusian club but it was worse in Rio de Janeiro. Indeed, his 9-month adventure was punctuated by numerous conflicts with his own players, one of his assistants even being guilty of physical violence. A worrying past for some observers, not for Emmanuel Petit. In addition to ambitious tactics, the Argentinian has the ideal character to wake up an apathetic club like Rennes currently.
« This goes against everything we saw in Rennes where it was really a flat encephalogram. There should be no waves, both on and off the field. So there, for the first time in the history of the club, I don't remember such a fiery coach with a strong character. […] We're going to give him a chance and I like it because every year I have the impression that history repeats itself. Rennes had a good run in the European Cup and the pressure quickly subsided. This club is quite chloroformed », Analyzed the 1998 world champion on RMC. Given Rennes' low production since the start of the season, the bet is worth trying in any case.
