Beaten in Nantes (0-1) last weekend, Rennes is still on a tightrope in terms of accounting. With only one point ahead of his opponent of the day, the promoted Angers, the victory is indeed necessary. To conclude on a good note this first part of the season which brought very little satisfaction and gave rise to too many questions.
In charge for a month, after the dismissal of Julien Stephan in failure since last spring, coach Jorge Sampaoli will be suspended for the arrival of the SCO. Despite his record, currently negative (one victory, two defeats), the Argentinian has seen progress since his arrival. “The players no longer suffer. With this structure to put in place, we hope to be more competitive, we are starting to be… In Nantes, we were solid defensively, even when we were reduced to ten, the defeat is unfair,” said the former coach of OM, who will discuss with his leaders from… Monday about the reinforcements he wants.
Reinforcements hoped for this winter
Because, if he has seen the best, the winner of the Copa America 2015 does not yet have any players who make big differences. We need these individual differences, like Simon did” to experience a more pleasant and peaceful second part of the season. Consequently, the next transfer window promises to be lively, despite a summer which had already been very busy. “It is important for us to consolidate a group in the medium and long term. Quality arrivals would help us, consolidated players, of good level, but the winter market is not easy,” he said, specifying that the goalkeeper position was not a priority. Before thinking about shaking up his locker room, Sampaoli intends not to miss this “important” match. He knows that taking points also contributes to progress.
The probable compositions
Arbitre: Judge Ben El Hadj.
RENNES. Mandanda (cap.) – Hateboer, Ostigard, Truffert – Assignon, James, Matusiwa, Nagida – Blas, Kalimuendo, Gouiri. Entertainer: Jorge Sampaoli.
ANGERS. Fofana – Arcus, Bamba, Lefort, Hanin – Aholou, Belkebla – Belkhdim, Abdelli (cap.), Raolisoa – Niane
