New arrivals with conditions

On Sunday, Stade Rennes will host AS Cannes in the Coupe de France round of 64. The team, playing in the National division, is led by Czech giant Jan Köller. On the other side, Stade Rennes is still looking for a big striker. The arrival of Razak Boukari filled a gap. “During the last four months, we were in real difficulties because of the number of players in the squad”, Frédéric Antonetti explains. The manager will have to do without Sylvain Marveaux, injured and probably not to return until the end of the season. Therefore, “there is space for an attacking player, either at midfield or upfront.” . In this sector, the club searches, scouts, and seems to have a few targets: “in the coming weeks, there will be news”, Frédéric Antonetti promises.

Not enough means, not enough fame

It might be an experience striker, « the rare bird who could score ten goals and help make a difference” Frédéric Antonetti is talking about while warning that “there is no point in dreaming out loud”. “I tried with Ederson and Bafe Gomis, the manager explains. But confirmed players are two expensive for us because they receive wages we can’t offer in Rennes. But also, they are not attracted by the Stade Rennais.” He hasn’t given up however. “In football, you need to perseverate”, he assures.

In defence, it all depends on Apam

The other potential working point is the recruitment of a defender. The manager is counting on Samuel Souprayen (“who showed he is more than a substitute”), John Boye (“who has improved a lot”) and Yassine Jebbour. He is especially looking forward to the return of Onyekachi Apam, who follows a specific training in order to return with the squad in March. “If Apam is fit, Stade Rennes will be ready for the next 3 or 4 years on the defensive side and with a very, very high level defence”, Frederic Antonetti rejoices, convinced that in this area, he has “the best you could find in France”. However, the Stade Rennais is ready to seize an “opportunity” if it was to arise during the transfer window.

Avoid « piling up players »

Above all, the Breton manager doesn’t want to « pile up players. We have started a sportive policy which gives a chance to young players, it’s not to change it after six months.” And he adds: “I prefer to have an empty box rather than piling up players, since, looking at the future, it is always easier to fill an empty box than to get rid of a player who fills it without being performant.”

Nicolas Auffray - Le Mensuel de Rennes

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