Football Season Guide

It took Rennes some time to come good last season, but they finished the campaign with silverware as they defeated Paris Saint-Germain in the Coupe de France final. As a result, they will once again have the opportunity to experience European football after terrific showings against the likes of Arsenal and Real Betis last season. Julien Stephan remains in charge, and it was under his hand that Rennes experienced a dramatic upsurge in their form in the latter half of last season. That they finished 10th was largely on him. Under Stephan, Rennes played an exciting brand of football that resulted in them scoring 55 goals over the course of the season. True, they faded towards the end, but it is clear he will be expansive if possible. Unfortunately for the Breton side, they lost one of their most exciting talents in the summer as Hatem Ben Arfa elected not to renew his contract with the club. They also saw long-time midfield servant Benjamin Andre leave for Lille and Mexer depart for Bordeaux, yet both are infinitely more replaceable than the mercurial playmaker. Flavien Tait, who has arrived from Angers, has the unenviable task of taking up the baton, and the 26-year-old appears a good choice, having flown under the radar despite strong showings in recent seasons. Rennes also moved to complete the addition of M’Baye Niang, giving them a strong attacking line up on paper, though it remains unclear if they will be able to retain winger Ismaila Sarr until the end of the transfer window. Big changes have not been made otherwise, with progress somewhat slow in the transfer market. Veteran defender Jeremy Morel has arrived at the club but Rennes fans might want to see more reinforcement in the middle of the defence, while no attempt to replace the influential Andre has been made at all yet. As such, there is a feeling that Rennes go into this season rather incomplete, but that did not stop them finishing last season well.