Faulty on the second Nice goal during the defeat of Rennes this Friday (3-2), Steve Mandanda received the support of his coach Jorge Sampaoli, aware that his player is going through a complicated period in the middle of the Brice Samba soap opera.
The numerous speculations surrounding the arrival of Brice Samba in Rennes may have disturbed Steve Mandanda. This Friday, the Breton captain was feverish on the lawn of the Allianz Riviera, notably missing his recovery on the second Nice goal, scored by Sofiane Diop. An error which precipitated the fall of his team, beaten at the opening of the 16th day of Ligue 1. But the former Marseille player retains the confidence of his teammates and his coach, who does not seek to blame his player.
“It’s a difficult situation. There’s a lot of speculation. It’s not easy for the player. He’s a human being, who’s suffering. There’s a lot of talk about him in the press, about the fact that he could leave the club. I understand his discomfort”, first commented the Argentinian technician at the microphone of DAZN, before completing his remarks at a press conference. “The situation is complicated because of the rumors. He is our guardian but these rumors do not help him and affect him.”
>> Relive Nice-Rennes (3-2)
Imbroglio around the Samba file
The 39-year-old goalkeeper is at the heart of the news as Rennes leaders try to recruit Brice Samba. While the file was on track, RC Lens decided to cancel the transfer of the French international, in the face of “the communication policy” of Rennes, as revealed by RMC Sport this Friday. But the Breton club is only considering the profile of the Lensois captain to strengthen itself.
Asked about the transfer window for goalkeepers, Jorge Sampaoli is looking for “solutions”, regardless of “the situation”. “We want to strengthen the team. We have to see our priorities. We might be able to count on two or three more players. We spoke with the president about priorities and possibilities.”
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