Stade Rennais: Threat to OM or just a challenge?

The Stade Rennais is preparing to host our OM for the opening of the 2025-2026 season, and frankly, do we really need to fear them this year? After a disastrous season (three coaches, narrowly avoiding relegation, and elimination from the Coupe de France by Troyes, yes, Troyes…), the Breton club is starting a new cycle with Habib Beye at the helm. But is that enough to get them back on track? What do you think?

Rennes transfer market: major clean-up and calculated gambles

This transfer market is clearly a big clean-up at the Rennes command center. Almost 40 players under contract at the beginning of summer, and now they're doing everything to get back to a more coherent group, in a “shedding payroll, keeping the essential” manner. However, on the arrivals side, beware: Valentin Rongier is making his return to Ligue 1 (we know his qualities from his time with us), Quentin Merlin as well, Frankowski arrives on loan, and defensively, they're on solid ground. But at the front... big question mark! Kalimuendo is expected to leave, and their offensive sector is frightening even their own supporters.

Will they be able to find the striker or winger they're missing to really make a difference? For now, their recruitment is clever but cautious. You can sense that the management no longer wants to take risks after the extravagances of recent off-seasons. Do you think this “less but better” strategy can pay off? Let us know in the comments!

A solid squad… but limited?

Let's be honest, in terms of the starting eleven, Rennes still presents some certainties. Their defense seems robust with Frankowski, Merlin, and a Jacquet-Rouault central defense. In midfield, Rongier - a safe bet - will be able to mentor the young players and bring his experience. But the depth of the bench is a bit worrying. If there are two or three injuries, it quickly becomes a struggle, especially with an increasingly demanding Ligue 1 schedule.

And then, friends, do you feel the pressure around Beye's choices? Can his rather rigid 3-5-2 system really last in the long run? Especially without a real killer up front… I wouldn't be surprised to see them struggle to score, even if they concede few goals. Do you think that might be enough to aim for Europe? Let's discuss!

Habib Beye, savior or coach by default?

Beye did well at the end of the season as a makeshift coach, let's give him that. His “high-intensity efforts, immediate repositioning, high pressing” speech woke up the locker room. But will it last over time, once the rescue dynamic has passed? For now, he's quite vague on the objectives, so as not to put too much pressure on himself. His idea is to stabilize the club, not to aim for the moon right away.

Do you believe in this philosophy? Or do you think that without clear ambition, Rennes risks stagnating for another season in the middle of the table? Share your thoughts!

The Stade Rennais: true outsider or just another team?

If we listen to local experts, this 2025 version squad is rated 3/5 – not bad, but still lacking up front. With two or three real offensive arrivals, they could trouble more than one team. But for now, they're far from being a favorite for Europe, and even less a bogeyman for our OM (do you agree?). Clearly, if we want to kick off our season, it’s the right time to strike hard at Rennes.

So, where do you place the Stade Rennais on the danger scale for our OM? An outsider to watch or an opponent in crisis? We're waiting for your predictions and analyses in the comments, friends! Allez l’OM!