Football Season Guide

Rennes have quietly become a consistent leading force in Ligue 1, with five top-six finishes over the course of the last six years. Last term, they defied poor periods of form to finish fourth, although that was perhaps a little flattering given their overall performance levels. Nevertheless, they finished two points better off than the previous season, even if they were much less spectacular to watch. Doubts had been transmitted over Bruno Genesio’s future prior to the season, but he remains in charge and boasts a squad not too dissimilar to the one that he had last season. Four players have been sold, but none were regulars, even Lesley Ugochukwu, who Chelsea have spent big money on recruiting for the future. Indeed, the most pertinent loss for the Blues is right-back Hamari Traore, who provided such energy and quality both in attack and defence down his side of the field. Rennes, meanwhile, have strengthened their attacking midfield options by recruiting Enzo Le Fee and Ludovic Blas from Lorient and Nantes respectively. Both are taking a step up in their careers after putting together positive seasons at lesser clubs. The Bretons have a wealth of attacking talent, with Amine Gouiri and Arnaud Kalimuendo leading the line – even if they have struggled to dovetail so far. Beyond that pair, Jeremy Doku is dynamite if he can stay fit, while Martin Terrier is a player of immense quality if he can return from a serious knee injury with anything like the level he had before the problem. Rennes have a well-balanced midfield in which Benjamin Bourigeaud is a vital component. Xeka is back from injury, Flavien Tait is a strong performer, Baptiste Santamaria is a solid defensive customer and Lovro Majer’s use of the ball is elite if he can rediscover his best level after a disappointing season. In defence, Rennes are lacking in options and experience, which is unlike other areas of the field. Veteran goalkeeper Steve Mandanda should make up for that to some extent. Here, the big question is if youngster Lorenz Assignon or Adrien Truffert can fill the void Traore has left. It is a tough task for either.