The Struggles of Rennes Under Manager Julien Stéphan

Full coffers from player sales have led to a fanbase calling for their manager's head.

Rennes manager Julien Stéphan has become the centre of fan frustrations.

Many question his tactical setup.

The club, known for its attacking flair, now plays with a lackluster 5-man defense that transitions to a 3-4-3 formation.

Stéphan’s reluctance to change his tactics during this poor run of form seems likely to lead to only one outcome.

Departed Talents

Previous iterations of Rennes featured standout players like Doku, Terrier, and Doué, who have since departed.

Fan favorites such as Bourigeaud, Theate (loan with a option to buy) and Majer have also moved on to new opportunities in recent times.

Rennes, a city known for its rich history and cultural heritage, is home to a football club that was once the epitome of vibrancy, but now struggles to find its footing.

The Gouiri Puzzle

The team's record signing, Amine Gouiri, a 24-year-old former prodigy, has become a symbol of this decline.

His mediocre performances and attitude issues have frustrated fans, and his hefty €28 million price tag weighs heavily on the club's finances.

In stark contrast, local rivals Brest are flying high under the guidance of Eric Roy, playing in the prestigious Champions League.

The difference between the two teams is as clear as night and day. Rennes 1-1 draw against Brest, which saved manager Stéphan's job temporarily, was a prime example of this disparity.

Gouiri's lackluster performance was cut short, while Jota's late equaliser (scored via his thigh) proved to be a crucial lifeline for the team.

Frustrations and Questions

Behind the scenes, majority shareholder François-Henri Pinault is not sitting idly by.

He took drastic measures in early October by ousting club president Olivier Cloarec, following a summer of significant player sales that totaled a staggering €150 million.

The repercussions of these decisions are still being felt, with questions lingering about the manager's role in the team's struggles.

Is Stéphan merely a scapegoat, or are the transfer decisions to blame for the team's current plight?

Perhaps, the truth is somewhere in between.

One thing is certain: Rennes' current form is a far cry from their exciting efforts in recent seasons, and the club's identity crisis deepens with each underwhelming display.