Time to shine for Rennes?

The foundations seem to be well laid. With only three goals conceded in 7 games, the 2010-2011 Stade Rennes has already shown values of aggressiveness, solidarity and concentration. Seconding Saint-Etienne (who hosts Marseille on Saturday) by only one point, the Bretons are looking for a reference match. “We aren’t fully ready, since we haven’t really played any game that was complete in both the defensive and attacking sectors”, Frédéric Antonetti considers.

« Confidence cushion »

This week, the players spent a lot of time working on placed attack and on situations in front of the goal at the reception of crosses. Rennes is now wanting to play well, show combinations, in other words seduce. The task will be difficult because of the lack of competition in attack. But everyone is relieved by the 15 points already earned and Rennes’ ability to defend well. “We built ourselves an interesting confidence cushion, enough to be able to unleash on the field”, Sylvain Marveaux reckons, he who comes back in good condition after a pre-season plagued with injuries.

A « somehow exhausting » playing style

So far, the Rouge et Noir haven’t been able to play exciting football throughout a complete match. It lasted an average twenty minutes at the beginning of each of their last five games (in Nice, Guingamp, Paris and Arles-Avignon before, and at home against Sochaux). “There aren’t many explanations about his, Frédéric Antonetti answers. Mainly, we are not confident enough to be in full control of our games. It is also due to the fact that four or five players are twenty years old, they don’t have the experience to handle a match as someone 25, 28 or older could do. Also, when we have taken the advantage, we sometimes tend to abandon our style, which is a bit exhausting, it has to be said. An active football, in which you go and get your opponent, is more tiring than waiting for them.”

On Sunday, at the Route de Lorient, it will also be time to impress the observers in the Game-week TV broadcasted game (21:00 C.E.T. on Canal Plus). Second, the Bretons remain very discret. “My aim isn’t for us to get media attention, but for my team to be feared”, Frédéric Antonetti précises.

In case of a defeat or a draw by Saint-Etienne and with a victory on Sunday, the Bretons could be the only leaders in the Ligue 1 Championship. For the first time since 1970.

Nicolas Auffray - Le Mensuel de Rennes

Picture : www.rennes.lemensuel.com