This summer, Saint-Etienne made a 180 degree turn in its sports policy. Exit the Cabaye, Khazri, M’Vila, Boudebouz, Ruffier, who either left the club or were invited to find a new one. It is now the young who make the law, under the supervision of a few experienced players, such as Kolodziejczak, Moulin and Debuchy. In this rejuvenated workforce, even Denis Bouanga (25) is a taulier.
Saint-Etienne now relies on its training center as well as on young recruits, and it works: the Greens are first in Ligue 1 after 4 days with the best defense and the second best attack in the championship.
Opposite, Rennes has an even more assertive training policy. After Mendy’s departure, the club’s professional workforce is made up of 50% of players trained in Rennes. No coincidence. And here too it works: winner of the Coupe de France, qualified for the first time in its history in the Champions League, Stade Rennais occupies second place in Ligue 1 at the start of the season. This season, Brandon Soppy and Adrien Truffert made their debuts with the pros, both putting in superb performances. Last year, Boey, Gboho and Da Cunha did the same. The previous season it was a certain Eduardo Camavinga.
If the source of Rennes talent seems inexhaustible, will these young players all be able to support the club’s development over time? The question arises, as Rutter, Da Cunha and Gboho have not extended their contracts which end at the end of the season. “There have been proposals from the club“assures Julien StĂ©phan.”We wait. We want to continue to develop them, we have proven this time and time again. they had playing time last season, we sent all the signals we could send to materialize this confidence. We are waiting for the return now so that we can continue to function and work together.“continues the Rennes coach.
Indeed, the playing time of young Rennes, admittedly disparate from one player to another, and the confidence given to the training center seems to have nothing in common with the rest of Stade Rennais’ competitors in Ligue 1. Le Saint-Etienne by Claude Puel slowly gets up to speed. It remains to be seen which youth will prevail over the other this Saturday at Geoffroy-Guichard.