Facing the Challenge: A Look at Rennes Ahead of the Ligue 1 Clash
This Friday, February 13th, will see a significant fixture in the 2025-2026 Ligue 1 season as Paris Saint-Germain, currently sitting comfortably in first place, travel to Roazhon Park to face sixth-placed Rennes. The whistle will blow at 7 pm CET, marking Matchday 22. As is customary before any major encounter, we delve into a comprehensive preview of PSG’s upcoming opponent.
The Season So Far: A Rollercoaster Ride for Rennes
The Brittany-based club, Stade Rennais FC, found themselves in a promising position at the close of the 2022-2023 season, having successfully secured European qualification. However, the subsequent seasons have presented a far more turbulent landscape. The 2023-2024 campaign was particularly marred by instability during the summer transfer window, an environment that ultimately contributed to the departure of manager Bruno Génésio.
In an attempt to steady the ship, Julien Stéphan, a familiar face who had previously managed Rennes before a stint with Strasbourg in 2021, returned to the helm on November 20, 2024. Yet, his reappointment did not magically resolve all the club’s mounting issues.
The managerial merry-go-round continued, with another coaching change occurring at the end of January. Habib Beye, a former Senegalese international defender who had garnered recognition for his work with Red Star and as a sports consultant, took charge of the Rennes team. Initially, Beye’s arrival injected a much-needed dose of optimism, and the team experienced a positive uptick in form.
However, this resurgence proved to be fleeting. By the end of 2025, Beye found himself precariously close to the sack, only to then oversee a period of strong results. Unfortunately, a recent downturn in form proved to be the final straw, leading to his departure. Despite the team’s respectable sixth-place standing, Beye’s tenure was marked by occasional communication breakdowns, which may have also played a role in his exit. The expectation now is that Franck Haise will be appointed as his successor. For tonight’s crucial match against PSG, Sébastien Tambouret will be stepping in as the interim manager.
Navigating the Transfer Market: Summer 2025 and Winter 2025/2026
The transfer windows have been a significant area of activity for Rennes, with several comings and goings impacting the squad’s composition.
Summer Transfer Window 2025
Departures:
Arrivals:
Winter Transfer Window 2025/2026
Departures:
Arrivals:
Key Performance Indicators for Rennes
Examining Rennes’ statistics for the current season reveals a team with a capable attack but significant defensive frailties. They currently boast the 7th best attack in Ligue 1, having netted 31 goals. This figure stands in stark contrast to league leaders PSG, who have scored an impressive 48 goals, while Auxerre languishes at the bottom with just 14.
On the defensive front, Rennes has conceded 34 goals, placing them as the 14th best defence in the league. PSG, once again, sets the benchmark with the league’s stingiest defence, having let in only 16 goals. Metz, on the other hand, has the unenviable record of conceding the most goals, with 46.
Individually, Esteban Lepaul, a 25-year-old forward, has emerged as Rennes’ leading goalscorer with 10 strikes, placing him third in the league’s scoring charts. Mason Greenwood leads this category with 13 goals. In terms of creativity, Musa Al-Tamari leads Rennes with 3 assists, a tally that ranks him 21st in Ligue 1. Vitinha of PSG leads this statistic with 6 assists.
Recent Form: A Mixed Bag of Results
Rennes’ recent performances in their last five matches paint a picture of inconsistency, highlighting their struggles to maintain a winning streak. The following analysis focuses on their possession and shot statistics where available.
January 18, 2026 (Ligue 1) – Rennes vs. Le Havre: 1-1
The team lined up in a 3-5-2 formation, enjoying 54% of the possession. Rennes registered 19 shots, with 7 on target, while Le Havre managed 7 shots, 2 of which were on target.January 24, 2026 (Ligue 1) – Rennes vs. Lorient: 0-2
Continuing with their 3-5-2 formation, Rennes controlled 67% of the possession. They unleashed 22 shots, but only 5 found the target. Lorient, in contrast, had 6 shots, with 4 on target.January 31, 2026 (Ligue 1) – Monaco vs. Rennes: 4-0
In this encounter, Rennes adopted a 3-5-2 formation and held 54% possession. They took 8 shots, with 4 on target, while Monaco proved more clinical with 14 shots, 6 of which were on target.February 3, 2026 (French Cup) – Marseille vs. Rennes: 3-0
The 3-5-2 formation was maintained for this French Cup tie. Rennes had 49% possession and managed 3 shots, with 2 on target. Marseille was more effective, with 8 shots, 5 of which were on target.February 7, 2026 (Ligue 1) – Lens vs. Rennes: 3-1
Despite Lens being reduced to 10 men in the 56th minute, they secured a 3-1 victory. Rennes, in their customary 3-5-2, had 45% possession and could only muster 9 shots, with a mere 1 on target. Lens took 10 shots, 3 of which were on target.
The Rennes Squad and Tactical Approach
The current Rennes squad presents a mix of talent and potential, though injuries have hampered their depth.
Unavailable Players:
Aïd Boudlal, Frankowski, Jacquet, Kamara, and Zabiri are all sidelined due to injury.Probable Starting Lineup (4-3-3 Formation):
- Forwards: Blas – Embolo – Szymanski
- Midfielders: Cissé – Rongier – Camara
- Defenders: Merlin – Brassier – Rouault – Seidu
- Goalkeeper: Samba
Rennes’ Playing Style Under Discussion
Upon his arrival, Habib Beye implemented a significant tactical shift, notably favouring a back three and adopting an aggressive approach aimed at generating a high volume of scoring opportunities. This strategy involved taking calculated risks, including the use of offside traps, particularly to stifle opposition attacks in behind the defence. While this proactive approach yielded goals at times, it also exposed the team to considerable defensive vulnerabilities.
It remains to be seen whether interim manager Sébastien Tambouret will adhere to Beye’s established system or opt for a different tactical setup for the match against PSG. However, given the calibre of the opposition, it is highly probable that Rennes will adopt a more cautious and measured approach for the opening stages of the game.
