Newly-appointed Rennes manager Julien Stéphan is set to shake things up after taking over from Bruno Genesio in the Stade Rennais dugout. According to a report from L’Equipe, the former RC Strasbourg manager is set to trial a 3-man defense against Will Still’s Stade de Reims this Sunday afternoon at the Roazhon Park. Les Rouge et Noir have leaked too many goals this Ligue 1 season. They sit only 13th, far away from the Champions League qualifying spots they were aiming for in the first place.
Genesio’s doubt regarding his own ability to turn Rennes’ fortunes around proved too strong, paving the way for Stéphan’s unexpected return as Rennes head coach. The son of France’s national team deputy coach Guy Stéphan already brought change this week in announcing that veteran goalkeeper Steve Mandanda would wear the skipper’s armband, instead of struggling midfielder Benjamin Bourigeaud.
The former RC Lens youth product is set to retain his spot in Rennes’ starting XI. However, he is expected to play as a right-sided wingback with Stéphan reverting to a back three.
Rennes predicted XI v Reims
Steve Mandanda – Christopher Wooh, Jeanuël Belocian, Arthur Theate – Benjamin Bourigeaud, Nemanja Matic, Enzo Le Fée, Adrien Truffert – Amine Gouiri, Arnaud Kalimuendo, Martin Terrier
GFFN | Bastien Cheval
