Although Laszlo Bölöni has accomplished most of his career as a player in Romania (he even won a Champion’s league with Steaua Bucharest), it is in France that he spent most of his coach career (first for Nancy, then for Stade Rennais). Before joining the “Red & Blacks”, he was in charge of the Romanian national team (2000). One year later, he became the head coach of Sporting Portugal with which he was champion and winner of the national cup in the same year (2002). As the head coach (…)
Trained at Olympique lyonnais, Cédric Bardon discovered Division 1 there at 18. He gradually became a regular player in the first squad but never proved a great striker. In 1998 he joined Stade Rennais where he remained for three seasons. He managed two correct seasons initially, but suffered of the comparison with the outstanding Shabani Nonda, whom he regularly supported in attack. He spent most of the 2000-2001 season on the substitute's bench, after which he left the club and continued (…)
Trained at Olympique Lyonnais, Christian Bassila began his Ligue 1 career in 1996, aged 19. Three years later, he was transferred to Stade Rennais and tried to make his way in the Breton midfield. His first season was made with ups and downs, even though he started 21 games. Stade Rennais loaned him in England during the following two years, then again in Strasbourg. The Alsatian club transferred him definitely in 2002. Over there Bassila definitely turned into a first-squad Ligue 1 player. (…)
A Midfielder born in Saint-Sulpice-la-Forêt and trained at the club, Yoann Bigné started his career with the professional squad during the 1996-1997 season. Touted the “new Didier Deschamps”, Bigné quickly made his way within the squad under Guy David's management, and then under Paul Le Guen. But the great prospect would never fully confirm his ability, and he would progressively lose playing time with increased competition on his position. After being left out during a last season with (…)
Regularly used during the 2003-2004 season, Cedric Barbosa suffered a serious injury during a friendly game in August 2004. After months without playing, the former Montpellier player struggled after his injury and spent most of the 2005-2006 season on the bench or with the reserve team. At the end of his contract last June, Cedric had difficulties to find a club. Finally the player aroused the interest of Troyes managers and signed a one-year deal with them.
United States’ Bocanegra is a polyvalent defender, capable to play as a left or centre back, arrived in Brittany to bring his experience to the Rennes squad. Born in Upland, California, he rapidly caught the public eye with his performances in Major League Soccer, from his first season with Chicago. Recruited by Fulham, he spent the following five years in thePremier League, playing over a hundred games. Released by the London club, he then decided to move to Brittany. Captain of the USA (…)
Technical ability and vision, these are the qualities that best sum up Kévin Bru. Younger brother of Jonathan, also trained in Rennes and Gambardella Cup winner in 2003, Kévin Bru had his first taste of professional football in January 2007. An essential element of the Reserves, he signed his first professional contract with Rennes within the same month. However, he didn’t have the chance for more first-team football and was loaned a year later to Chateauroux, and then to Clermont (both (…)
Ismaël Bangoura arrived in Summer 2009 to reinforce Rennes forward line. An explosive, very quick and skilled striker, he signed from Dynamo Kiev for a fee of 11M€. Very familiar with the French leagues, he had played for the Gazelec Ajaccio in the third League, before signing for Le Mans, then a newcomer in Ligue 1. In Le Mans, Bangoura proves himself a highly valuable player, and attract many interests. In 2007, the Dynamo Kiev is eventually obtaining his transfer and attracts the player (…)
Trained at Rennes’ Academy, Jimmy Briand has all the qualities of a modern striker. His pace and his explosive power are amongst the qualities that seduced all of his coaches so far. However, Jimmy struggled to impose himself as a regular starter for the club. For three years, he remained a substitute to strikers such as Frei and Utaka. In 2006-2007, eventually, he became one of Rennes’ main offensive weapons. Since then, he impressed by his power and fighting spirit on the front of (…)
An usual starter for Rennes' U18 Rand occasionanaly the Reserve, Guillaume Borne benefited of a series of injuries in the first team’s defence, to see his Ligue 1 career launched on a derby against Lorient, in December 2006. After he signed his first professional contract in June 2007, the man from Tarn disappointed for his second season at the highest level, only appearing in 10 occasions for the professional team, and failing to impress with his performances. After a disappointing loan in (…)
Trained at the club’s academy, this athletic player can equally play as a defensive midfielder or as a central defender. Often injured during his early Ligue 1 career with Rennes, he actually managed to make his way into the first team, player as an anchor in midfield, and despite the competition at this position. In winter 2006, he is pushed back to play along John Mensah in central defence, immediately forming a very complementary partnership with the Ghanaian. Considered as a high (…)