Julien Stéphan: "It's great to share this with the public".

Read Julien Stéphan's reaction after the Rouge et Noir's thrilling victory over OM in the Coupe de France Round of 32.

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Julien Stéphan
© Stade Rennais F.C. / Ouest Médias

« We're obviously happy and satisfied to be going through to the next round. There were different phases to the game. Marseille had the better of the first 25 minutes, and they played with more intensity than we did. We were a bit timid in our commitment and intensity when pressing too, and we lacked rhythm with the ball. However, we played really well for the last 15 minutes of the first half. We came back very strongly in the second half, and I think we were more dangerous than Marseille. Winning the match before the penalty shoot-out would not have been out of place.

I'm pleased because the team showed above-average mental qualities. In the penalty shoot-out, we were behind every time and we had to score to stay alive. The players had a lot of courage and self-confidence to achieve that. It's great to be able to share that with the fans. These are moments that can lay the foundations for the second half of the season.

The players are working marvellously well and fighting like hell to put in the best possible performances. I'd like to praise the quality of their work, their commitment and their desire to show a different face. There were some difficult moments, and we're not completely out of it yet, but we're on the road to recovery. One good performance after another gives this young group a lot of confidence. »

Round of 32 - Coupe de France
Stade Rennais F.C. v Olympique de Marseille (1-1; 9-8)
Sunday 21 January 2024 - 9.05pm CET
Roazhon Park - 28,151 spectators

Goals: Jordan Veretout (29'), Martin Terrier (53')