Former players, Le Tallec : «Rennes ? It makes me laugh»

Coming back in some light after Borussia Dortmund’s German champion and his selection in the U21 France team «bis » to play the legendary Toulon Tournament, Damien Le Tallec never loses an opportunity to compare his new life to his past at Stade Rennais.

«When people talk to me about Rennes, it makes me laugh. I have no regrets. Hey, I’m German champion (Ed : though having fail to play a single league game this season, Le Tallec isn’t considered as such). I’m in the biggest club in the country alongside Bayern, why should I regret my choice to leave the Stade Rennais, sixth in Ligue 1 ?» he declared in an interview to So Foot.

After he left Rennes in August 2009, the youngest of the brothers Le Tallec has been chomping at the bit since his arrival in the Bundesliga, where he is rarely playing because of strong competition, but also because of a shoulder injury received last year. A situation he can’t afford to see happen again in the future after nearly two blank seasons. «Yes, I need to play. I asked for a loan move in January, but the coach refused, he did not want me to leave. It means he trusts me. Here, we’ll see if I have a good opportunity.»

A long unavailability that didn’t stop Pierre Mankowski calling him when he composed his squad for the Toulon Tournament, even if the choice of the French coach was limited essentially to second tier players. It doesn’t matter to Le Tallec, finalist of the competition and defeated by the Colombia in the penalty-shootouts, during which the former Rennais missed his attempt. « This is the France team, anyway. It’s the same logo on the shirt, it means that the coach (Ed: Erick Mombaerts) is keeping an eye on us. » Provided, of course, the player gains some playing time in his club.