Pierre-Yves David, coach of Fougères (N3): “Stade Rennais has won consistently”
We can see that the Stade Rennais is progressing, has gained consistency in what it offers in terms of its content, but above all in consistency in terms of results. A match like in Toulouse, even if there may be material to discuss in the content, the main thing is done with this first goal which arrives quickly and behind, the ability to manage the balance of power without putting yourself in danger on the board display. The constancy that the team has released over the past few months, even seasons, means that Stade Rennais legitimately occupies this third place.
I see Rennes qualify. After, in the balance of power, given the situation of the two clubs, I think that Saint-Étienne will have no choice but to start the match very hard. In management, Rennes must prepare to undergo a pressing. But with the presence of Steven Nzonzi now, typically the kind of player who will manage to get out of the opposing pressure, that changes things. He will be the key player, especially at the start of the match.
Currently, the central defense is stable, the goalkeeper too. Four behind, Julien evolves with pairs on the outside, which can change. The team has stabilized itself through an organization that is firmly rooted in the minds of the players. And even if there are sometimes changes, I guess there are preferential circuits worked on in training and whether it is with Pierre, Paul or Jacques, the circuits are integrated.
This allows fluidity, one step ahead of the opponent. This justifies the progress of the team as a whole, coupled with the arrival of Nzonzi, the situation in the standings and, above all, a second consecutive year in the last four of the Coupe de France, which is still enormous.
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Thierry Rébillon, coach of AS Vitré (N2): “A game that is not padlocked”
Stade Rennais is a team that never gives up, which makes many reversals of situations. They have been in a positive dynamic for several months, there is only to see their results. They go to the end of things. It is also a rigorous team, which works a lot tactically. This can be seen on all the game diagrams offered, they are adopted and validated by the group.
We also see that the players are shooting in the same direction. There is fluidity, the team does not offer a padlocked game, but has room for maneuver, alternative solutions. That’s why it’s difficult to bring out a key player. It’s a group: suddenly Raphinha shows up, then Niang, then Bourigeaud. It’s rarely the same player that shines.
Stade Rennais is the favorite for this match because of its Ligue 1 ranking, but it will be tough. In any case, after difficult years for the public, it’s still nice to see. Enjoying this as a Vitréen is nice, it’s a good thing for the department, for the region. We talk more and more about the SRFC in positive terms, I feel it when we talk between us, football connoisseurs. The relationship with the club has been reversed.
Gwen Corbin, coach of Guichen (N3): “Stade Rennais has managed to unite around it”
It would be an 8e final and in the current state of things, I would say that Rennes would pass without problem. In terms of the dynamics, the atmosphere that reigns in each club … But there, it’s a semi-final and behind it is the Stade de France. To speak of dynamics would undoubtedly be mistaken. It’s emotionally, too, that you have to be able to handle the event. It’s at a moment T and if need be, the context can almost save the ASSE season. I don’t see Saint-Etienne missing out on this match. The players are not completely crazy, they know the stakes and there are enough experienced players, M’Vila, Cabaye or Debuchy for example, to become aware of this… On a semi-final, they are undoubtedly able to create cohesion and to free themselves all together, because they are still looking for each other.
“A real solidity”
Stade Rennais is united, welded and has a lot more automation. They managed to create a collective and we know that this is the most difficult thing. We feel a team playing together, players close to each other and a real solidity. With his speed and creativity, Raphinha can cause problems on the left side of Saint Etienne. Lacking cohesion, Saint-Etienne could leave spaces and Raphinha could create discrepancies.
What is good for us is that we feel that the SRFC has succeeded in federating the amateur clubs around it, which it had not managed to do before. Today, Rennes has a national influence through the final of the Coupe de France, the current third place … They federated. And the clubs are a lot of supporters, people who are in various places on the territory. Previously, maybe people in Ille-et-Vilaine perceived football in a slightly negative way because of the Stade Rennais. And conversely today, it makes those same people want to talk about it now. People have a good image of the SRFC, through the values it can bring out and the emotions it conveys.
Jacques Le Normand, TA Rennes coach (N3): “The context can have an impact”
Rennes and Saint-Etienne are the opposite. There is the Stade Rennais, with a really interesting performance trajectory since last year: third in the championship currently, the possibility of going for a second final or even a second consecutive title in the Coupe de France… And then there is a Stéphanoise team which is in full doubt, in search of results, in lack of confidence and serenity. We can see it through the reactions of some players since the Ruffier case. We feel a group that is not in the best conditions. I think the context can have an impact and it can be a double-edged sword. There is the possibility of saving the season in a way, since it is still badly embarked in the championship, and conversely, if it went wrong, it can also be catastrophic. Events are bad for Saint-Etienne. We will have to reverse the trend, bring the public on its side by producing a great Cup match. They have no choice but to win and there is real pressure. It can be played on the mental plane.
Now the collective dimension will matter. Whether it’s Niang at one time, Bourigeaud or Raphinha at another, there is always a player who, thanks to the work done beforehand, will be able to make a difference.