Rennes - Brest : key quotes from press conference

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Habib Beye

The squad with Abdelhamid absent from training on Thursday
“It's just a matter of managing Abdelhamid, who will be back in training on Friday. Nordan is back with the Academy. Seko? He trained well this week.”

Back to work after Christmas
“We'll have a week of training before Lille, starting on Monday, December 29.”

The heavy defeat against PSG
"These are scores that leave their mark. We analyzed those five goals and identified what happened. In terms of ambition, we did some good things without compromising ourselves. Paris is clinical, and we have to be better in these situations. The team also struggled with ten men; we mustn't let up on the intensity. "

Djaoui Cissé, substituted at halftime at the Parc
“His performance fell short of what I expected. I told him that, he knows it, and we're working on it. In these games where the athletic intensity is high, you can't just focus on the sequences with the ball. Djaoui has room for improvement, and to do that, he also has to work on the things he's not so good at.”

Effectiveness in both areas
“I once spoke to an excellent coach who said that you train your team from area to area. In these areas, it's talent that makes the difference. We've worked hard to make it harder for opponents to get into the penalty area. It doesn't matter who the opponent is.”

The opponent
"Brest are in good form, on a run of three consecutive wins, notably at Strasbourg and against Monaco. They are a very well-structured, disciplined, consistent team, difficult to break down and who don't let up for 95 minutes, even when they happen to have a bad spell. It takes mental endurance to get the better of this type of opponent. The absence of Ludovic Ajorque? They'll have to adapt because he's an important focal point for them, but they'll be able to change their style with their quick players. We'll have to be vigilant. "

The role of Mahdi Camara
"I think he's evolving. He used to be very vertical, but now we're getting him to take up wider positions. Mahdi has a strong ability to impact the opponent with the ball, and he's improving in his ability to do so without it. We're getting him to open up space for others and to have other perspectives. Against Monaco, he opened up space for a goal by drawing in the opposing midfielder. I'm very pleased with what he's doing. Mahdi enjoys playing, is eager to give his all for his teammates, and has a great ability to train hard. It's a privilege for a coach to have a player like Mahdi." 

 

Mahdi Camara

Bouncing back after Paris
“It's not nice to concede five goals, even if there were some good moments. We have to move forward and keep working hard.”

SB29, an important club for him
"It's a special match because I spent three wonderful years there and experienced some great things that I'm proud of. I have fond memories and enjoyed a great relationship with Éric Roy, who restored our confidence when he arrived."

Reunion in Brest
"I've spoken to them a lot on the phone this week and since I left. Whether it's Hugo (Magnetti), Kenny (Lala), Del Cast'. I have a lot in common with them. We spoke again this morning. They know we'll be ready, and so are they. I know they know me well. I hope to play a very good game for the team. We're going to give it our all and go for the three points. Did I promise them I'd score? No (laughs), but they know it will be difficult."

Ludovic Ajorque's suspension
"We know how important Ludo is to Brest. The team relies on him a lot, and I'm in a good position to know that. When he got his card, I was disappointed for him, but at the same time, it was good for us (smiles). "

His adaptation to a new system
"The system has changed for me. The coach also asks me to do things that I was already doing in terms of intensity and pushing forward. We also have more possession in Rennes; in Brest, it was a more direct style of play. I came to Rennes to improve, and we'll wait until the end of the season to see if I've taken a step forward. In any case, that's my goal. "

Brest, all-terrain
“They always give it their all, which is a strong characteristic of this team. We're in good shape, especially at home, and they're coming in with confidence. It promises to be an exciting match.”