Football Club de Marseille invites you to follow the news of OM's competitors (PSG, Monaco, Lyon, Nice, LOSC, Rennes, etc.). The reunion between Jorge Sampaoli and Steve Mandanda in Rennes marks a decisive turning point in their career. After a year spent together at OM, the Argentinian coach and the goalkeeper find themselves today under the same banner, but this time at Stade Rennais. An unexpected return, especially after the tensions which marked their last collaboration in Marseille.
In 2021, upon his arrival on the bench of Olympique de Marseille, Sampaoli did not hesitate to shake up the hierarchies. To impose his dynamic and offensive game, he had recruited Paul Lopez as a starter in goal, relegating Steve Mandanda, 36 at the time, to the bench. A decision which had created a real divide between the coach and his captain. However, despite this difficult passage, Sampaoli has always expressed respect for Mandanda, and it is therefore with great enthusiasm that he found him this season in Rennes.
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What role for Mandanda?
During his introductory press conference this Tuesday, the Argentine coach explained: “I have a very good relationship with Steve, I love him a lot. We have always had a very direct relationship. I am happy to have him back here and he will help us get out of this situation. » These words full of warmth show that, unlike Marseille, where the relationship had been tested, Sampaoli sees in Mandanda a leader capable of bringing real stability to Stade Rennais, currently in difficulty in Ligue 1.
Mandanda's role in this Rennes team will be crucial. After a mixed start to the season, Rennes is looking to bounce back and regain its European ambitions. It remains to be seen whether Sampaoli will really keep Mandanda in a starting role but also as captain of the team?
