Sampaoli, despite the new defeat, is “proud”

Thomas Siniecki, Media365: published on Saturday January 18, 2025 at 11:16 p.m.

The Bretons have even reached a new stage, according to the words of the Argentinian technician who is getting bogged down.

Not sure that Rennes supporters all agree with Jorge Sampaoli, the fact remains that the latter says he is “proud of the team, which was much better than Brest” despite the setback at home in this Breton derby ( 1-2). For the coach, it is even “a new stage”: “The team made a great effort, especially in the second half. We had 23 chances, we lost because of childish mistakes but I am convinced that we showed character.”

“Brest did nothing to win”

But the mathematical observation is implacable, the Rennais do not take any points and they have never lost so much after 18 days for… 41 years. The former Olympique de Marseille coach still says he is “very concerned”: “We are fighting against the opposing elements, we lacked efficiency. We had so many chances that it's hard to understand how we lost… The team was courageous. We were superior to Brest who are playing in the Champions League and did nothing to win this match. Eric Roy and his men will appreciate it.

“I understand the supporters, they have the right to protest given the situation.” But he strives, every day, to be able to change it, according to him… Also questioned about the playing system, in this case a five-a-side defense, he replies that Julien Stéphan made his team play with four at the back and that he didn't win either: “Our full-backs are drawn forward. But with the three central ones, one of the three can contribute in attack. Brest is the best team in the air in Europe, we had to take that into account Most importantly, this are the mistakes we make and which are repeated.” The Rennais will be fifteenth in the standings on Sunday in Ligue 1, if there is a winner between Nantes and Saint-Etienne à la Beaujoire.