His arrival
« I've worked hard and built myself up to reach the very highest level, and Stade Rennais F.C. represents the very highest level. I have to show my ability and my skills to manage this club. I think the directors have been convinced. It's a process and a way of building a man after my career as a player. My role as a consultant? It had no impact on my decision. In that role, I was able to talk to players and coaches to build up my confidence, and at the same time I got my qualifications. I took my time, with humility, so as not to rush things. I got my hands dirty with my staff in the National League.»
Calling on the SRFC
« It's a privilege to come to Rennes. I'd like to thank the Pinault family. We met a few months ago and had a very interesting first contact. I'd also like to thank the management. It's a privilege for a coach to feel wanted. I think it's the right time for me.
I've had time to reflect on things and this is a wonderful opportunity. I've known a club with 125 years of history, and I'm joining a club that's approaching that. I want to stick to the club's identity and be firmly rooted in the local area. »
The sporting situation
« The current situation is all that matters to me. We're in this together with the players and the staff, on an exceptional adventure with fifteen deadlines. I think the situation is far from dramatic, even if there are still things to be done. The challenges motivate me. I can rely on my staff and the staff already in place. I can see that the club has a lot of talent. »
Determination
« I'm passionate about this game and this sport. When I start this challenge, I don't ask myself what I have to gain or not. We need to restore the club's energy and the team's identity. I want to give it my all, work with people who will enrich me and not be calculating. If you look at my career path, it shows that I'm determined to progress, move forward and develop.»
Dynamism, joy and enthusiasm are important words. This must be an exceptional adventure. If you think negatively, you'll only convey negativity. I have to bring belief.
Introducing his assistant coach
« Meeting Sébastien Bichard was a revelation and we worked together until he joined Clermont. He's a hard-working, loyal person who loves football as much as I do, and he knows all the ins and outs of the business.
As for Olivier Saragaglia, I first got to know him as an opponent, at Sedan and Châteauroux. He's been through some tricky situations in his career, and I know he's capable of bringing people together. We passed the BEPF together, so I know his skills. You get to know people through their work, and that's what we're here for. Sébastien and Olivier are the perfect complement to the coach that I am. I'm coming in with them and I want to keep the staff already in place, because they'll save me a lot of time. »
The squad
« I've got a clear idea of what we're going to do, starting with Strasbourg, and I'd prefer to keep that for my group. We need to get to the heart of the matter quickly. We've got a quality squad, we've got resources at the club, and we want to restore confidence and energy. I have a lot of respect for Jorge Sampaoli, so I looked at what was being done. »
Raising the team
« I see a structured and balanced club. I can't pollute myself with negativity, there's a lot of energy in this club. I'm not looking at the standings, I'm concentrating on the fact that the team is learning quickly and transmitting emotions in a stadium that will be rooting for us against Strasbourg. Dynamism, joy and enthusiasm are important words. This adventure has to be exceptional. If you think negatively, you'll only convey negativity. I have to bring belief. The only things I'll be judged on will be SRFC's style of play and its results.»
The game plan
« I want a team that is dominant in many respects, capable of managing the pace of the game by setting the tempo and hurting the opposition. I can guarantee you that the main focus will be on building the confidence of the players, who are enormously talented. I need to build on their intrinsic qualities and get the best out of them.
I can't conceive of football without intensity, and everything in training has to be done at a high tempo. My aim is for the players to feel my desire to work with them. »
Matchday 19 Ligue 1 McDonald's
Stade Rennais F.C. / RC Strasbourg Alsace
Sunday 2 February 2025 - 5.15pm CET
Roazhon Park
