Despite a remarkable run in Ligue 1 since the start of 2024, Stade Rennais has not escaped criticism.
Last week was marked by the very contrasting results of French clubs on the European scene. While 4 representatives from France were involved in the Europa League, only Olympique de Marseille managed to collect a victory by winning against Shakhtar Donetsk (3-1) to punch their ticket for the round of 16 of the competition.
Unlike OM, Lens, Toulouse and Rennes remained at the dock. The Breton club nevertheless saved the honor by signing a gala success against AC Milan (2-3), but the large defeat conceded in the first leg (0-3) had settled the matter. Called upon to take stock of French football in the European Cup, Jérôme Rothen was not kind to Stade Rennais.
“Going to Milan for sightseeing, I was ashamed! »
“The European Cup in Rennes, how long have you been playing it? launched the former French international on RMC. They went to Milan for sightseeing, I was ashamed! As a Frenchman, a French club going to a big club in Europe like Milan, which has a great history, but they went for tourism there. Fifth season, when will they grow up? “.
Rothen qualified his remarks by distributing the good points to PSG and OM. “Paris and Marseille, we are used to seeing them in the European Cup. (…) When the others qualify, it’s as if they had won, it’s an event. I’m fine with that, but if you get eliminated in the round of 16… I have often defended the level of our championship, but it is indefensible this season. We are not good, teams with big budgets are rubbish. (…) However, we all highlighted the groups where we had been a hit and everyone qualified. We were pleasantly surprised. »
