The arrival of Jorge Sampaoli au Stade Rennais marks a new chapter for the Breton club. The Argentine coach inherited a squad in difficulty, where no player has truly emerged as a leader. His challenge: finding executives capable of carrying the club.
Stade Rennais: Jorge Sampaoli inherits an SRFC group in search of identity
Since the start of the season, Stade Rennais' performances have fallen short of expectations. The players seem disoriented, unable to find a collective balance. No element has succeeded in imposing its influence, carrying its teammates and embodying the soul of the team. Even experienced players like Baptiste Santamaria or Amine Gouiri delivered lackluster performances. It is therefore an SRFC group without an identity inherited by Jorge Sampaoli, newly appointed head of the Breton club.
Mandanda, a captaincy in question?
The case of Steve Mandanda is particularly interesting. Captain since the departure of Benjamin Bourigeaud, the experienced goalkeeper could see his armband called into question. Relations between Mandanda and Jorge Sampaoli have been strained in the past in Marseille. If the Argentinian assured that their relationship was good, doubt persists over the retention of the French goalkeeper as captain.
Sampaoli will have to quickly identify the players capable of becoming the leaders of this Stade Rennais group. Adrien Truffert and Lorenz Assignon, starters in defense, are potential candidates, but they will have to show more consistency. Alidu Seidu, when he recovers from his injury, could also take on this role.
In midfield, Baptiste Santamaria and Azor Matusiwa are experienced players, but they will have to find their level of play. Amine Gouiri, despite some difficulties, has shown encouraging signs and could be a driving force in the team.
A long-term project
The work of rebuilding Sampaoli promises to be long and difficult. The Argentine coach will not only have to find the right players, but also put in place a clear and unifying game plan. The challenge is daunting, but the Argentinian is known for his ability to re-motivate the troops and breathe new life into a team.
