Julien Stéphan made his first appearance on the Rennes bench, making his comeback this Sunday, leading his team to a success against Reims (3-1).
These days, fans of Stade Rennais will not be choosy. Because victories have become a rare commodity for the Rouge et Noir this season. Until then, Rennes had only recorded two successes in Ligue 1. An insufficient record which had caused the club to plunge to the bottom of the ranking before leading to the sudden departure of Bruno Genesio.
Rennes finally chose to make something new out of something old by banking on Julian Stéphan to replace the technician. Nearly three years after his departure, Guy Stéphan’s son returned with the objective of setting things right for a commando mission, while waiting for what comes next. His first against Reims was well negotiated with a precious victory (3-1). Here are 3 points to remember from this first success.
1. Bourigeaud, still just as influential
Julien Stéphan’s first strong decision was to entrust the captain’s armband to the experienced Steve Mandanda. Downgraded in the hierarchy, Benjamin Bourigeaud did not take offense at this decision, quite the contrary. Replaced in a piston position which suits his qualities, the attacking midfielder was decisive in this result by scoring a very important goal (2-1, 46th) before turning into a passer for Theate in the second half (3-1, 66th).
2. Work has started on defense
A weak point well identified by Stade de Reims, the defensive sector produced a generally satisfactory performance. If the whole remains subject to improvement, the Wooh-Belocian-Theate trio showed a certain complicity in a 5-player system very popular with Stéphan. Reims still hit more shots on goal than Rennes (15 shots against 10), proof that the whole remains fragile, as evidenced by the Reims goal signed Oumar Diakité (1-1, 45th+1). A first foundation.
3. Lots of character
It’s as old as football: the arrival of a new manager redistributes the cards for an entire squad. When the regular holders have to put in a new effort to keep their place, the jokers subscribed to the bench perceive this change as an opportunity to gain theirs. This emulation was felt this Sunday. And it was beneficial to Stade Rennais. While Reims managed to equalize just before half-time, Rennes spent the second after returning from the locker room showing a lot of character. The Stéphan effect is there. It will last as long as it takes. But Rennes will need more guarantees in their game for the future.
