In recent years, Rennes had established themselves as the model for sustainable growth and smart investment in Ligue 1. By shrewdly developing and selling young talents like Eduardo Camavinga, Jérémy Doku, and Ousmane Dembélé, then reinvesting the proceeds, Rennes became a regular fixture in European competitions. But this season, that tried-and-true formula has turned into a talent trap, leaving manager Julien Stéphan’s job on the line.
Dreams of Europe Slipping Away
Heading into the 2024-25 campaign, Rennes had high hopes of not just returning to Europe, but taking the next step. Heavy investment in the likes of Enzo Le Fée, Amine Gouiri and Arnaud Kalimuendo, each costing over €20 million, was supposed to maintain momentum. Instead, Rennes find themselves mired in 13th place, just a point above the relegation zone, after a humiliating 4-0 defeat to Auxerre this weekend left them winless on the road.
Manager Under Fire
Much of the blame is being laid at the feet of Julien Stéphan in his second stint in charge. The manager who led Rennes to a historic Coupe de France triumph in 2019 before resigning in 2021 amid poor form, has been criticized for:
- Constantly chopping and changing tactics and personnel
- Lacking defensive organization and identity
- Overly attack-minded lineups
According to a source close to the club, Stéphan has been unable to get the best out of a squad that, while talented, lacks cohesion and experience playing together. Another poor result next weekend against Toulouse could spell the end of his tenure.
Lack of Joined-Up Thinking
Recruitment has also been called into question. While focusing on youth, as is Rennes’ way, big money signings like Glen Kamara (29) and Hans Hateboer (30) seem to have unclear roles in the project. It points to a lack of clarity and alignment between Stéphan and the hierarchy, particularly Sporting Director Florian Maurice.
Player Churn Finally Catching Up?
Most concerning is that Rennes’ famed talent development model may have reached a tipping point. The high volume of player turnover each window, around 10 in and 10 out recently, makes it extremely difficult to build understanding and cohesion on the pitch.
“I have the energy to continue, to fight, to do everything I can to make this team progress. Do I feel threatened in my position? It’s not up to me to answer that.”
– Julien Stéphan after the 4-0 loss to Auxerre
While injuries have played a part, Rennes may need to reevaluate whether their buy-low, sell-high approach to team building is sustainable. With many of the current squad either young, new to Ligue 1, or both, growing pains are evident.
Do Rennes Need to Rethink Their Model?
Rennes are approaching a moment of reckoning, both in the short-term with Stéphan’s future, and in the bigger picture with their team building philosophy. The upcoming World Cup break could provide a much-needed chance to regroup and find some stability. But if the talent trap continues to ensnare them, the path back to Europe and to the top half of the table only gets harder.
