Le Lay: “I will make sure the players are careful about the club’s image”

In an interview to the Journal du Dimanche, Patrick Le Lay, the new Stade Rennais president, gave an overview of his feelings after taking on his functions in Rennes, and explained his ambitions for Rennes this season. He also explained his willingness to improve the club’s “image”.

Talking of his appointment in Rennes to replace Frédéric de Saint-Sernin, the former TF1 boss considers himself in “familiar territory”, and feels clear of any pressure at the moment: "Competition hasn’t started yet, so there is no pressure. A club is like a company. And I’m just like most directors”.

Talking about the transfer market, François Pinault’s friend sees similarities with his former activities: “Transfers are complex operations. There isn’t a player catalog with prices for each. It’s a matter of demand and offer, just the same as onTV”.

Feeling the growing division between the club and its fans since a few months, Le Lay affirmed he would ask for an irreproachable behaviour from his players, and especially when it comes to the players’ attitude towards the fans: “The game of football lives thanks to its supporters. So you have to be nice to them. When you lose, you can’t just leave the pitch looking at your shoes or giving the feeling you don’t care. At least you must have some attention. And the attitude has to be the same in town. I will be very careful about the image”, he promises.

Talking about the club’s ambition for the 2010-2011 season, Le Lay was more talkative than Frédéric Antonetti and Pierre Dréossi, who only talked about a “new cycle”. A man of challenges , the new president wants to see his team finish the League in the “Top Five”, précising that the club has “made the necessary efforts.”. The Coach and his staff are warned.