Stade Rennais – Brest: Better is not enough
Despite a slight improvement in the game, Stade Rennes recorded a 4th defeat in as many matches in 2025. The accounting emergency is real, but the speeches are somewhat disconnected.
“For me it’s a new stage. We were superior to Brest who are playing in the Champions League and did nothing to win this match. » Reading Jorge Sampaoli's words, it is difficult to know whether Rennes drew or lost. Last night, the speeches of the coach and Seko Fofana, the only player who came to the mixed zone, were resolutely positive. Maybe a little too much. The method is understood for a club at the bottom of the hole, suffering a fourth defeat in four games this new year. Because yes, Rennes lost again.
Best, but not enough
Let's start with the best: Trailing 0-2 on home soil, Stade Rennes reacted quickly by reducing the score three minutes later. But too late. Because that's the problem, Rennes has fallen back into its mistakes again, trailing as always, and making individual errors (Samba restart), again. The SRFC had possession (67%), again, the number of shots (22, 9 on target), and even the duels! (55%). But on 3 Brest shots on target, Rennes conceded two goals, again.
With such a situation at the accounting level, “concerning” concedes Sampaoli, how can we see the glass half full? The cup was full for the supporters having displayed several banners before the match, before regrettable excesses at the end of the match. The context is tense, like the tiny margin of SRFC at the bottom of the ranking.
-What reaction did the team have in Monaco?
“We are fighting against the opposing elements, we lacked efficiency. We had so many chances it's hard to understand how we lost.”regretted Sampaoli, before Seko Fofana, the only player who came to the mixed zone, for his first public speech with Stade Rennes. “It got better. We have to remain confident, united, and I think we sent a strong message, especially in the second half. We created a lot of situations,” confides the experienced midfielder. “I am convinced that with this state of mind, we can only do better. (…) I am proud of the team, we showed a different face. »
What will be the state of mind precisely, of a team still beaten in the championship, and eliminated in the Coupe de France? The pressure put on by management, with the installation of a loft, did not have the desired effect, for a team which did not show any real revolt, any real extra soul. This squad is still sick, and if Rennes deserved the draw on Saturday, the Breton club leaves this 18th day with an empty bag, an 11th defeat in 18 matches, a first since 1984. Enough to maintain a certain disconnection between the speeches, and the harsh reality of a team playing to maintain.
