Surprising third after 24 days of the championship, Stade Rennais is going through a complicated period at the start of the year. While the club lost last week its president, Olivier Létang, who admitted having resigned "reluctantly", without any clear explanation, the Breton team also sees its place on the podium threatened. Despite a success in extremis during the derby against Nantes (3-2) at the end of January, Julien Stéphan's men remain on only two victories out of six in 2020 and give confidence to the other teams.
More worrying, after the defeat in Lille Tuesday (0-1), the SRFC conceded the draw this Saturday against Brest (0-0) and the ouster of the Breton leader seemed to have affected the Rennes players. “We were very surprised, we knew nothing. We are disappointed and sad for him "explained the captain, Benjamin Da Silva, after the meeting. “We cannot remain indifferent to what happened. We were all shocked by this decision. We had atoms hooked with Létang "added Morel.
Towards two packages against Belfort
Still involved in the Coupe de France, Julien Stéphan, who allowed the red and black club to be the title holder today after 48 seasons of virgin trophies, was confident despite the internal situation. “Being able to play a quarter-final in a career is quite rare, very rare even. The competitive spirit takes precedence over everything, ”said the Breton coach.
Stade Rennais therefore has no room for error in the face of the National 2 team and has the obligation to join the last four of the Coupe de France to gain insurance. "We don't want to spoil everything. We're having a great season. There is a nice atmosphere in the group. We want this to continue, ”said Da Silva.
However, for his trip to Belfort on Tuesday, Rennes will have to compose without Damien Da Silva and Jérémy Morel, while Lucas Da Cunha, also hit against Brest, is uncertain. Only Jérémy Gélin and Joris Gnagnon should be available in central defense. A well-filled infirmary, in addition to Jonas Martin and Clément Grenier in particular. "It's complicated at that level, but we have to hang on," added the 39-year-old technician, who could offer a first tenure to his winter recruit, Steven Nzonzi.
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