Sampaoli finally settles accounts with Mandanda!

Jorge Sampaoli, the Rennes coach, maintains the mystery over his choice of goalkeeper for the crucial match against Olympique de Marseille this Saturday. Despite the persistent questionsthe Argentinian did not decide between the veteran Steve Mandanda and the winter recruit Brice Sambaleaving doubt until kick-off.

A thorny dilemma for Sampaoli

During his pre-match press conference, Sampaoli evaded the crucial question of the titular goalkeeper, declaring: “We haven’t defined it yet. We have two training sessions left, we’ll see how he (Samba) feels and what choices we have in front of us.” This evasive response only fuels speculation around a delicate choice for the Argentine technician. Mandanda, despite his experienceis going through a delicate period, while Samba, recruited for 14 million eurosrepresents the future but still lacks benchmarks in its new environment.

The delicate case of Steve Mandanda

Sampaoli wanted to address them Sensitive case of Steve Mandandarecognizing that “it’s a very difficult subject, which is discussed within the group”. Evoking the uncomfortable situation of the French goalkeeper during the match against Nice, the Argentine coach insisted on the need for stability to enable Mandanda to be competitive. “I already said it about his match against Nice, he was in a very uncomfortable situation. We must provide stability to allow it to be competitive. I know him very well, and for me as a coach, I consider that Steve needs a lot of stability.“he added, suggesting that the veteran could keep his place.

The integration of Brice Samba

Concerning Brice Samba, the star recruit of the winterSampaoli underlined the difficulties inherent to the winter transfer window. “The winter transfer window is always very difficult”he declared, thus evoking the integration challenges facing the French international goalkeeper. Samba and Fofanaanother arrival of weight, “are two important players” according to Sampaoli, who will have to decide between the future and experience for this shock against OM.