Franck Haise
Squad
« Anthony and Frankie are back from suspension. There are still doubts over Arnaud, who is feeling better but is still training on his own. We’ll see if he can take part in the group session tomorrow. He’s making progress, but it might be a bit of a rush. Brice suffered from adductor cramps against Brest, which never usually happens to him, but it’s nothing serious.»
Managing the week in the heat
“There were certainly several factors to manage: the last three days have been hot, and the recovery for the international players who’ve had long journeys or played a lot… The idea was to get back to a consistent level. Our weekend plans will change from what we’d originally planned. But we’ve worked hard. ”
Never change a winning team?
“You always have to ask yourself that question, particularly in relation to the opposition’s system: how to defend and attack against a team that, in all likelihood, plays with five at the back. Then, of course, there are the collective and individual performances to take into account. Overall, it was positive, even if we made a few mistakes that cost us goals.”
The choice in central defence
“It’s true that this is a position where both players, Abdelhamid and Lilian, performed well in Brest. Abdel’ has been training very well since I arrived and he had the chance to show what he can do last weekend. He confirmed what I thought of him, namely that he has huge potential and brings something different to the team. Unless I were to switch to a back three, there will inevitably be a choice to make and someone may well be disappointed, as everyone deserves to play today. We’ll also face difficult choices in other positions. ”
Sebastian Szymański on the wing?
“Seba’ is capable of playing on the wing, with a different profile to Mousa, Arnaud or Nordan, in a 4-4-2 or a 4-4-3 for that matter. It depends on the dynamic we’re looking for, the numerical advantages we want to create. Of course he can play there; there’s no ambiguity about that. He’ll be able to bring his technical flair, his quality in the final pass, his intelligence in his movement… Yes, he’s definitely capable of doing it.”
The opposition
“I expect to see a well-organised Angers side, one that knows how to be patient in defence, yet is also capable of playing attacking football. Obviously, the fact that they’re several points clear of the play-off spot and the relegation zone must give them a lot of confidence. They’ll almost certainly be playing with a sense of freedom. It won’t be an easy match. There will be quality on display; it’s up to us to produce enough of it to beat them.”
We’re lucky to still be in the running, so we’ve got to give it our all.
Learning from mistakes
“Every match helps us learn from our mistakes. I don’t single out one over another. We always analyse what needs improving. Then there’s also the context, the opposition’s system… We need to push ourselves even further, always with great humility because we’re not above anyone else. ”
Estéban’s broader range
“I’m not surprised. Estéban is a goalscorer, but also a very complete player. Because he’s intelligent, because he adapts, because he puts the team first. He’s also a complete player defensively. He still has room for improvement in his movement, and technically too, as that’s an area where you can always improve. But I don’t see any limits to his development.”
Have we used up our wild cards against Lille and Metz?
“Brest was a pivotal match because we’d dropped points in previous fixtures. The closer we get to the end, the more important those points become. Especially as the league is tight and there are plenty of teams both ahead of and behind us. We know what’s at stake in this match against Angers. We’re lucky to be in the mix; it wasn’t a foregone conclusion. As it’s an opportunity, we have to make the most of it.”
Key factors for the end of the season
“The end of the season depends on a lot of things. It won’t come down to one player, but to the team dynamic, and to the players who feature less regularly and need to make an impact. It will also come down to our character. In any case, European football has to be earned, even more so this year with such a tight table. ”
More comfortable away from home?
“That impression is understandable given the team’s results since I arrived. But I hope we’ll soon prove just as effective at home. The team is consistent in its results; it will need to stay that way, both at Roazhon Park and away from home.”
The importance of fan support
“I’d love for us to be able to celebrate with our fans again this weekend, even though the RCK won’t be there – and I’m the first to be disappointed about that. It’s important that the crowd gets behind us in these matches. It’s true that I didn’t really understand the few boos when we were leading 1-0 against Toulouse a month ago. Of course, the fans have high expectations, but we must remember that the players aren’t holding back on the pitch. We really need the fans’ support.”
Mousa Al-Tamari
How should we approach this final sprint?
“It’s a very important period; the end of the season is always tough. We all need to stick together. As far as I’m concerned, we’re doing very well at the moment; we need to maintain this momentum. We’ve got six games left; we must keep up the good work and continue to perform well.”
The best season of his career?
“I’d say it’s the second-best season of my career, behind the one I had with Nicosia in Cyprus. I played in the Champions League back then, and I performed well in the league too. The standard is higher in France, so it’s difficult to be as good.”
The ovation at Roazhon Park when he came on against Metz
“I’ve got the video on my phone. I watch it often because it reminds me that I need to keep working hard for the fans. I hope to do even more on the pitch to make them happy. It’s not easy to come on during a match, and that was an incredible feeling. I’d like to thank them.”
We'll do everything we can to help Estéban finish as top scorer.
Aiming for Europe
“Everyone dreams of playing in the Champions League. Mathematically, it’s still possible, especially with a final match in Marseille that could prove decisive. It’ll go down to the wire. The main objective remains to qualify for European competition.”
Estéban, Ligue 1’s top scorer
“Estéban is in great form, both in matches and in training. He scores a lot in training too. I think he can finish the season at the top of the scoring charts. We’ll do everything we can to help him, to put him in the best possible position. It’s important: if Estéban scores, we’ll all be happy because it’ll help us win matches.”
The World Cup in his sights
“I’m obviously thinking a bit about the World Cup, but I’m really focused on the end of the season with the club. I’ve got time before I join the national team. And if I perform well with Rennes, that will naturally be beneficial for the World Cup afterwards.”
Matchday 29 Ligue 1 McDonald's
Stade Rennais F.C. / Angers SCO
Saturday 11 April 2026 – 9.05 pm
Roazhon Park
