Antonetti gives the keys to Stade Rennes’ summer break and transfer market
Invited in talk-show « Luis Attaque » on radio RMC this Tuesday, Frédéric Antonetti commented various aspects of the summer break to come, and gave his view of the player profiles sought for in order to bolster the Rennes squad.
Antonetti, who is yet to sign his new contract, clearly stated that the issue really wasn’t one. “The contract hasn’t been signed, but we don’t need to sign (Ed’: understand: not immediately). There has been some slight hesitations from both sides, but it’s all part of the game. On my side, there is no more hesitation since I gave my word on April 11th. Since I gave my word to Monsieur Pinault, to his son, to the President and to Pierre Dréossi, I’m not taking it back”.
The Corsican manager denied having « any issues » with the Pinault family or the club’s management, and confirmed he would indeed manage the Stade Rennais in 2011-2012.
Five players to be recruited this summer
A coming season, which is « already fully programmed », according to Antonetti’s words. “We know our needs, we know what we want, we know who we want to keep, the Rennes manager continues. Financially, we know what we will rely on, we know what we will do. I believe the best recruitment isn’t done in August, despite what some think, but that they always happen at the end of May or beginning of June. That’s were all the successful gambles are taken”.
The former Niçois, who aims to have his full squad operational for the return to training also vows to be able « to make real choices, not only default decisions », as could happen with an August recruitment.
The profile of players to recruit seems to be already clearly defined. “A goalkeeper, maybe another defender, if possible left-footed, Antonetti enumerates. And then, three attacking players: it could be two creative midfielders and a forward, or two forwards and a creative midfielder”. In theory, five players should therefore be arriving in Brittany during the break.
The search for a goalkeeper seems to be the hunt for a number one, which would probably result in the departure of Johann Carrasso. Questioned about Nice’s David Ospina, Antonetti affirms that the fee requested remains a stumbling block at the moment. “He is one of the good French keepers, Antonetti recognises. I launched him in Nice. He is a real target, but at the moment the requested fee is simply too high for us to do anything. If people are reasonable, why not, but at the moment he is too expensive”.
M’Vila will stay
In regards to keeping the current squad at the club, Antonetti is highly optimistic. After the announced departure of Douchez, Stade Rennes are decided not to see any other of the key players leave, in particular Yann M’Vila and Kader Mangane, despite the many solicitations expected for both men. “We opened a cycle last year, and we want to make it last another year, Antonetti explains. Yann M’Vila needs another year. With the European Championship looming, I think he will thrive at the club. He had a very good season, and I believe he can improve even further”.
Expected to be in high demand this summer, the young international should spend one more season with the Red and Black shirt on. A will of the club, but also a will of the player, which Antonetti also confirmed.