Habib Beye
The group
« Jérémy Jacquet has returned to training and is applying. Kyogo Furuhashi is also available. There have been positive developments for Anthony Rouault, who will be too light for this match. »
Brice Samba suspended, Steve Mandanda lining up?
« First of all, Steve is very calm and that's a pleasure. He told me that he really enjoys training, which is important to me. It's great to have goalkeepers of such a high calibre, and beyond Brice and Steve, to be able to rely on Gauthier, Geoffrey and Doğan. I wish Steve a great night on Friday. »
The defence
« We're working on different options in training, whether it's with three or four elements. The absences give us food for thought. When we went to four, I thought we were balanced and that brought strength to other areas of the pitch. The absences, which we obviously don't want to suffer, create emulation in the group. »
With Samba Diawara (Mali), two coaches from Africa will be on the benches on Friday.
« Above all, I don't want us to get into any kind of cliché on this subject. I've always said that if we're good, we can inspire other coaches and spread this logic. When you build yourself up for that, it doesn't have to be a selection logic, nor does it have to be extraordinary. I'll be very happy to see Samba on Friday and if he's in that position, it's because he's very competent. In our own way, we are ambassadors for the continent, but we are also citizens of the world. »
Reims, an opponent within reach
« There are 18 teams and our conditioning is not linked to the reputation of our opponents. Playing again soon after Lille is a good thing. It's another match to win. Without taking into account the fact that we're close to Reims in the standings, I want us to win, to try to be protagonists, to be intense. The important thing is to win this football match and taking 9 points out of 12 would be very positive. The defeat to Lille is not the end of the road. »
Opponents' poor form
« Above all, we shouldn't deceive ourselves about the intrinsic quality of Stade de Reims. We know where they stand and Reims will be going there with the ambition of getting a result. They're a quality team, strong in the middle, with players who are mobile and dangerous in 1-on-1 situations. »
The defeat to Lille
« Live, I had the feeling that there was a big gap between the teams, but less so when it was cold. Lille respected us and we conceded two short-handed goals. The team is really progressing fast. It's been a good week. »
Seko Fofana
« It's not easy going into a game like the one against Lille. I have every confidence in Seko, who is growing in stature, whether it's athletically, in his desire to bring his talent or in his confidence. I know the kind of player he is and I don't question his level at all. Seko will continue to show all his qualities for Stade Rennais. »
Competition
« I make choices and I want to have a homogeneous group. Every week, from Monday onwards, the players have the opportunity to show me that they are fit to start or to be in the group. Automaticity is also important. The reality is that we are judged on continuity and we have a lot of weapons in this team. Take Kader Meïté, for example. In training, I can guarantee you that he pushes and pushes hard. Kader is close to showing that he's going to be a force to be reckoned with, and that's what I expect from the boys. »
Lilian Brassier, a leader
« I'm very happy with Lilian. He's already a leader in this group and he represents the identity of SRFC. I'd honestly have taken him anywhere I went and that gives you the idea I have of his qualities. We've given him the confidence and the security to show them. Lilian is passionate about football, but we also have to curb his passion for training and playing. »
Lilian Brassier
His return to Rennes
« Even though I had the opportunity to discuss it with my agents, I didn't expect to be back so soon. I'm happy to be in this group. »
Integration
« It helps to know the club, and I was made to feel very welcome. I wanted to get back to enjoying myself and getting to know my team-mates. I've rediscovered a style of play that I like. I'm already one of the old boys (laughs). I'm trying to show the youngsters what's expected of them and get the team back on the right track, because I think we're building some great things. It's a great challenge to be here. »
Different since he left?
« I had less experience at the time. I was able to play in Valenciennes, Brest and Marseille too, and gain experience. I want to show off and enjoy myself here, which I wasn't able to do back then. I intend to give it my all and fight for these colours. »
His reputation as locker room DJ
« I'm not the DJ, there are a lot of entertainers who manage the sound and everyone finds their note (laughs). »
Bouncing back after Lille
« We're frustrated, but we have to keep a positive outlook. The team made no secret of the fact that we had a lot of possession and we're making good progress overall. »
The game against Reims
« It's an important game, they all are, we'll have to be ready and I think we will be. It won't be an easy game, but we'll do everything we can to win. »
Matchday 23 Ligue 1 McDonald's
Stade Rennais F.C. / Stade de Reims
Friday 21 February 2025 - 8.45pm CET
Roazhon Park
