Season Preview #15: Stade Rennais
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With the 2024/25 Ligue 1 season fast-approaching, we’re running through every team in the league, giving you all you need to become a Ligue 1 expert. Every day from now until the season kicks off on August 16, we’ll preview two clubs every day, breaking down their key moves and how the season is likely to unfold for Stade
Founded: 1901
Stadium: Roazhon Park
Nickname(s): Les Rouges et Noirs
Manager: Julien Stéphan (fifth season)
After making his name in Brittany and undergoing a rather more ignominious spell in charge of Strasbourg, Stéphan returned to Rennes last season with the team at one of their lowest ebbs in recent memory. After providing an immediate boost to their form, the run-in saw them slip from the European places. Now, with some key departures, he will have his work cut out for him.
Last season: 10th, Ligue 1
Cult hero: Steve Mandanda
Now entering his third decade in Ligue 1 and set to turn 40 in 2025, Steve Mandanda redefines what it means to be a legend with each passing match. Only eight players have featured more in Ligue 1 than he has, and as he enters his third season with Rennes, he will be much needed to give direction and a composure to a defence which has once again been shuffled, but remains largely inexperienced. If improvement comes from the Bretons, there's no doubting that Mandanda will be at the heart of it.
Key arrivals:
Amid a flood of departures (and potentially more), Rennes have been seemingly slow to act, but there's no doubting the quality the team have brought in. Danish U-21 international Albert Grønbaek should replace the freewheeling creativity of Enzo Le Fée and Fabian Rieder, while in defence, Leo Østigard looks the sort of veteran presence that will do much to add some spine to the defence. Hans Hateboer and Glen Kamara aren't automatic starters, but their blend of polyvalence and veteran nous will add much to a team in need of both.
Key departures:
Where to start? Rennes have already overseen the departures of Fabian Rieder, Le Fée, Guela Doué and could also see Arnaud Kalimuendo and Désire Doué also find the exit. Most surprising, though, is Martin Terrier's move to Bayer Leverkusen, Any player worth their salt would surely champ at the bit to work with Xabi Alonso, but there's no doubting Terrier and Benjamin Bourigeaud have been the team's most consistent, if not talented players of late, and his goals will be hard to replace.
Season Outlook:
It's possible to see Rennes finishing anywhere from fourth to eleventh. Østigard and Kamara, again, offer the type of veteran grinta that can help a team, but one has to wonder if there's enough end product in the side to overcome a defense that will still need time to bed in, even if it has potential. That said, a lack of European obligations will decidedly work in their favor, and with Brest likely to drop off, there is seemingly a place in the top seven on offer, it just remains to be seen whether this side has the necessary gumption.
Likely XI: (4-4-2): Mandanda; Assignon, Wooh, Østigard, Truffert; Bourigeaud, Santamaria, Kamara (or Matusiwa), Grønbaek; Kalimuendo, Gouiri
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