SCO/SRFC : key quotes from press conference

Habib Beye

The squad
‘Everyone is back with Lilian Brassier and Przemysław Frankowski returning. Abdelhamid Aït Boudlal, Christopher Wooh and Mahdi Camara will be suspended in Angers.’

The arrival of Estéban Lepaul
"He's a player we've had our eye on for a long time, naturally interested in his potential and his ability to adapt to every level he's played at. His arrival is a great story. I already wanted to sign him when he was playing for Orléans, then before he signed for Épinal and scored 12 goals in 16 matches. We needed a player like Estéban, who is goal-oriented, spontaneous, capable of playing deep with a very positive mindset and driven by the desire to improve. For Sunday? He's ready to start."

The game against Lorient
‘This is a one-off event in our season. Kader had to come off early again, he needs to switch mentally, he knows it's linked to the match scenarios. I showed the team both situations again, we need to be able to deal with this, to stay calm in moments that seem difficult. We also need to maintain our commitment.’

With the transfer window coming to a close, will it be easier to manage the squad?
"It's not a question of convenience. I have a clear idea of what I want to do next, but the reality is that we've been in this transfer window situation for two months now. We want to bring this to a close so that all the players can focus 200% without some of them having doubts. I want to say that what the management has done in this transfer window is admirable, that everything has been done with a great deal of stability."

Strong competition
"The puzzle will be very easy to put together, linked to the emulation and quality of the players in training and in matches. I'm in Rennes to have a competitive team. We already have offensive reinforcement with Estéban. I'm comfortable with the pressure. Every match has its own story, and the season is won with a lot of quality and competition. It's up to us to be precise. You mentioned Kader and the competition for his position. He will be an important player for SRFC this season, but at the same time, he can't carry the responsibility for the season. It's normal to have other players in that position."

The game against Angers
"Angers defend well, they did so at the Parc des Princes with this hybrid approach, their system evolving according to how they attack and defend. We may face a low block, but we've seen that Estéban, for example, is perfectly capable of dealing with compact defences thanks to his heading ability and set-piece skills. We need to be a team that can control all aspects of the game."

The return of Alidu Seidu
‘This week, I wanted to encourage Alidu's desire and give him strength by showing him a video. When he joined Lorient, he made his mark with his technique, his ability to quickly relieve pressure, his dynamism and his aggressiveness. Some of our players sometimes lack that extra bit of aggressiveness, but Alidu has it.’

Quentin Merlin

Lorient, at 9
‘It was the first time I'd played with nine men, especially so early on. In this kind of tricky situation, you have to adapt, and I hope it doesn't happen again. It was difficult to keep possession and do something interesting with the ball when we won it back. Despite the two red cards, we have to continue to be aggressive while communicating better.’

Physical progression
‘The training sessions are really intense, which was a pleasant surprise. It's a change from Marseille, where we did a lot of tactical work with the ball. I find it easier to make runs at the end of the match.’

The arrival of a new offensive asset
"We gave Estéban a very warm welcome this morning. He came through the traditional tunnel (smile). He's a very good player who sees space, is instinctive in the box, hard-working and active in defence. I met him this morning. He's a humble teammate with his head screwed on. He just wants to improve and put the ball in the back of the net. Given his qualities, we'll be able to work very well together if I manage to get my passes through (smile). He's intelligent in his runs, and we'll work on that connection in training."

the transfer window
‘The training sessions are high quality. We know that the transfer window can move quickly, but what I see is a team that is committed, and everyone is happy to wear these colours.’

His integration

‘I already knew a few players, which made it easier for me to settle in. I feel like I've joined a family, the Stade Rennais F.C. family. We're here to move forward. I'm happy, in any case.’