Valentin Rongier :
« I would have been pleased if we’d put in a complete performance, showing control. That wasn’t the case today. We know things aren’t perfect. We showed solidarity, though; the substitutes made a big contribution. Every match in our league will be a tough one – we’ve seen that for ourselves. We didn’t do enough, but the most important thing is that we’re on four points today. If Estéban Lepaul can keep helping us like this all season… We’re not surprised to see him in such fine form. »
Franck Haise
Post-match thoughts:
“I knew it would be a tough match, but first of all we must congratulate our opponents for everything they’ve achieved over the past two years. Ligue 1 matches are always tough. I say this every day, and I said it again in the team talk. We had moments where we let our guard down, and they’ve got good players all over the pitch – the strike partnership, the midfielders are working hard. They’re a well-rounded side. When you give away too much, it’s only natural to get punished.”
Decisive substitutes:
“Some of the substitutes did well, particularly in midfield and in attack. But we gave the ball away too often; we were wasteful in areas where there weren’t any major difficulties. I’m aware of our shortcomings. I know what we’re capable of doing well – putting together some very good spells – but in Ligue 1 we need more control; we mustn’t give away goals due to lapses in concentration and poor anticipation. We need to put all that right; thankfully, we’re still scoring quite a few goals.”
Nicolas Lemaître’s fine performance:
“He’s a reliable goalkeeper and he proved it tonight, notably with two crucial saves. I chose not to take any risks with Brice. Nicolas brings experience and reliability.”
Matchday 2 Ligue 1 McDonald's
Stade Rennais F.C. / Le Mans FC : 3-2
Sunday 30 August 2026 – 5.15 pm
Roazhon Park – 25 727 spectators
Goals:
SRFC : Estéban Lepaul (5e, 90e+6 sp), Valentin Rongier (26e)
LMFC : Louis Mafouta (30e, 54e sp)
