System, recruits… What you need to know about Stade Rennais

Before the start of the 7th day of Ligue 1 against SRFC at Roazhon Park (9 p.m.), we take a look at what you need to know about the Breton team, currently 10th in the standings.

A good test before the international break. Following the trip to Zagreb in the Champions League (2-2), the Rouge et Blanc continue with a major confrontation in the league against Stade Rennais (kick-off 9 p.m.). So before battling it out at Roazhon Park, here is what you need to know about the Breton team. Presentation ????️

A two-speed start ????️

To begin with, there is clearly one SRFC at home, and one away! While they have recorded three losses away from their bases (Strasbourg, Reims and Paris), the Rennais are currently undefeated in their lair on the road to Lorient (7 points out of 9). With notably two big successes against Lyon and Montpellier (3-0), for a single goal conceded against Lens (1-1). So be wary.

Change to five behind ????

The setbacks conceded away from Brittany have precisely precipitated a change in tactical system, from a fairly classic 4-2-3-1 to a reinforced defense of five in 5-4-1 (or 3-4-2-1) . A provision which allowed Julien Stéphan to stabilize his team somewhat, with only one goal conceded against Montpellier and Lens, before the clash against PSG. It will therefore be necessary to monitor the wings, from where Rennes’ offensives often start.

The summer revolution ????

This transition to a more extensive rear guard was possible due to numerous movements made. No less than five defenders were thus recruited, with former Neapolitan Leo Østigård at the head of the gondola, and ex-Atalanta full-back Hans Hateboer. Without forgetting the young Senegalese, Mikayil Faye, arrived from Barça.

A busy transfer window with a Scandinavian accent, which also saw the arrival of the Danes Albert Grønbaek and Henrik Meister and the Finn Glen Kamara. In the opposite direction, however, exit Désiré Doué, Martin Terrier, Enzo Le Fée or even the Rennes legend, Benjamin Bourigeaud, who will also be present at the match.

Monaco – Rennes, a privileged axis ????

If no player who has worn the colors of the two clubs will be on the pitch at Roazhon Park this Saturday, many former players have made the return trip in one direction or the other. Among the most famous, we find the serial scorer, Shabani Nonda, his friend from the 2004 epic, Edouard Cissé, the current coach of the Elite Group, Djimi Traoré and Tiémoué Bakayoko. In total, there are 37 people who have worn both jerseys.

Players to follow ????

Glen Kamara, the sure bet ????

For the moment in the shadow of the Santamaria – Matusiwa duo in the heart of the game, the former Rangers midfielder was one of the executives of Steven Gerrard’s Glasgow. Reliable in the midfield and very durable, he can bring a real plus when the game is played on an athletic level, three days after the trip to Zagreb for the Red and White. The framework of the Finnish selection (61 selections) will therefore be one to watch if it comes into play.

Albert Grønbaek, the false winger ????????

He is one of the biggest threats offensively. New Danish international (2 caps, 1 goal), the 23-year-old midfielder, arrived from Bodø Glimt, was placed on the left wing by Julien Stéphan.

Author of a very good copy against Montpellier, with a goal and a decisive pass, the latter likes to go on his side to create the surplus in the axis. Comfortable in small spaces, he is also very comfortable technically and knows how to be sharp in his ball handling.

Jota, the equation with two unknowns ????

He is one of the buzzing names of the SRFC transfer window. Arriving at the very end of the summer market, the Portuguese winger trained at Benfica arrived in Brittany to get back on track, after a failed break at Al-Ittihad in Saudi Arabia. Fast and agile in front of goal, the 25-year-old left-hander could pose a lot of problems for Ligue 1 defenses. Returning from injury, he could play a few minutes.