Stade Rennais‘ aspirations of being the ‘best of the rest’ in Ligue 1 this season appear to be fading, as the club finds itself in eighth position after ten league matches. Despite a promising start, their current record of five wins, one draw, and four defeats marks a regression from their sixth-place finish last season, which secured UEFA Europa League qualification.
The Brittany-based side entered the campaign with a sense of continuity, retaining head coach Franck Haise and largely keeping their squad intact. Key players like Abdelhamid Aït Boudlal and golden boot winner Esteban Lepaul remained, while Charlie Cresswell and Adrien Thomasson joined to bolster the team. This stability, coupled with an opening 2-2 draw against Paris Saint-Germain and three subsequent victories against Le Mans FC, Angers SCO, and Olympique de Marseille, initially suggested Rennes were on track to meet their high ambitions.
Defensive Concerns Mount
However, the season has since taken a challenging turn, primarily due to an alarmingly porous defence. Rennes have conceded 21 goals in Ligue 1, managing only two clean sheets across their ten fixtures. This defensive record places them among the league’s most vulnerable teams, with only Le Havre AC, RC Strasbourg Alsace, and AJ Auxerre having worse statistics – clubs currently battling relegation concerns.
Head coach Franck Haise even trialled a new 3-5-2 formation against Lille OSC, departing from the customary 4-3-3 shape. Despite the tactical adjustment, the defensive issues persisted, as Rennes conceded two goals from Lille’s three shots on target, ultimately losing 2-1.
Over-reliance on Attack
While their defence has struggled, Rennes’ attack has been a significant saving grace, scoring 22 goals in the league – a tally matched only by Paris Saint-Germain. A major contributor to this offensive prowess has been Esteban Lepaul, who has netted seven goals in just seven Ligue 1 appearances.
However, Lepaul’s recent absence due to an ankle sprain has exposed an over-reliance on his goalscoring ability. Having missed the last three league games, the team’s attack has struggled to compensate for the defensive frailties, failing to secure a point against Lille without their prolific striker leading the line.
As the international break approaches, Stade Rennais face the challenge of addressing their defensive vulnerabilities and finding solutions to maintain their European aspirations. The coming weeks will be crucial in determining whether they can reignite their dream of being the ‘best of the rest’ in France’s top flight.