Carrasso - Douchez, a common goal?

Who could have thought, at the opening of the 2009-2010 season, that Nicolas Douchez’ status as a first choice goalkeeper would become so fragile within a year? Close to the French national squad, the former Le Havre goalkeeper was an essential member of the squad, and his performances were a clear asset to the results of his team.

Twelve months later, the story is very different at the Route de Lorient. Douchez was unsettled by the bad results of the “Rouge et Noir”, and the keeper’s sovereignty crumbled as the season went on. Less decisive, not as regular, his performances were reflecting Frédéric Antonetti squad’s season.

Arrived in Rennes with the aim to reach another step in his career, on a professional and personal level, Douchez, contracted until June 2011, started having doubts on his future. Rennes’ management were keen to extend his contract despite his average season, but the player, not completely seduced with the idea of extending his stay on the Vilaine banks, decided to decline the offer.

As the transfer window opened, Douchez was linked by a few teams in France and abroad. One rumour sent the goalkeeper to join his former coach - in Rennes - and good friend André Amitrano to Monaco. The former Toulouse man denied any contacts and announced his departure wasn’t "on the cards". More eager to show his is ill-being in front of the fans, his words don’t show a real willingness to stay much longer at the Stade Rennais.

Since several months, Antonetti is repeating his desire to only work with players “happy” to remain at the club. Refusing to extend his contract, Douchez doesn’t deny contacts with Spanish teams, especially the FC Sevilla: "There are rumours, I’ve heard about Spanish teams interested in me, but I can guarantee you I have no information on this topic”, said the player on L’Équipe’s website, on June 17th.

Competition or Succession?

Preparing a possible transfer of Douchez, the management started looking for a goalkeeper able to feature as a first choice in Rennes’ goals. It was Johan Carasso, younger brother of the French international and Bordeaux goalkeeper Cedric, who arrived in Brittany from Montpellier where he was only a substitute to Geoffrey Jourdren.

A very influential man in Montpellier’s 2009-2010 promotion to Ligue 1, Carasso was victim of a severe injury during the final game of the season against Strasbourg (2-1) and consequently lost his position as first choice keeper for Montpellier’s return to the highest level. Ambitious, the U21 international doesn’t hesite to take his chance to sign in another team at the end of the following season.

"It’s true, right now I’m looking for playing time. My goal is to play the U21 Euro with France in 2011, and in that purpose, I need to play with my club". Targeted by Lyon for a while, he refused the opportunity in an interview to Foot Mercato: “I don’t think this would be a good destination for me. If I have to sit on the bench and wait, I’d rather stay and do it in Montpellier"

Did he receive guarantees from Antonetti during the negotiations leading to his signature for Rennes? The question deserves to be asked, and Douchez could be the collateral victim at the arrival of one of France’s most promising prospects at the goalkeeper position. The final pre-season friendlies should tell us more about the coach’s choice on this position. Less than a month away from the season beginning and two months from the transfer market closure, many questions remain to be answered.

It has to be expected however, that Carasso will do everything he can to win his duel with Douchez: "Just like any player joining a new team, my ambition is to play. I know I have to win it on the pitch. I come to Rennes to bring something and show what I am able to do. There is training and friendly games to judge… Evidently, I have the ambition to play" concludes the young goalkeeper as if sending a message to his new team-mate