Estéban Lepaul returned to Rennes after discovering the France team during this international break. Coming on as a substitute against Turkey, he then started both matches against Belgium and remained on the bench for Italy. The 26-year-old striker did not find the way to goal but above all he seemed a little borrowed compared to other teammates. The top scorer in Ligue 1 last season showed certain limitations for the very high level and will have to convince the coach to recall him. He can always count on the support of his coach at Stade Rennais. At a press conference, two days before hosting Auxerre (Sunday, 5:15 p.m.), Franck Haise defended him. “ We first found him very serene and happy, because he playedbegins the technician this Friday. He knows everything he still has to achieve to progress and to continue to play for the French team. He is very lucid about the small details, the placements, the timings… He has seen the very high international level with, most of the time, low blocks of international level against the France team and against him. »
Haise continues. “ I think it’s already very positive. And what is also very positive is that during the last match (4-1 against Belgium), there were changes when the team was down 1-0 but the coach did not take it out. Obviously, when there is a very dominant team facing a very low block, it is not the attacker who is going to touch 50 balls. But what he did in fixing his opponents, in false leads, in freeing up spaces, was useful. Modestly, I had the same analysis but I am not a coach. In any case, the coach left it and even if Estéban did not score, the France team won 4-1. I found it to be more positive than what people have said. Let’s not forget that it was a first selection and that it is not easy. » Lepaul will appreciate the support.
