Sampaoli Faces Tough Task at Rennes with New Signings

Posted : 10 January 2025

Jorge Sampaoli, the fiery former Argentina coach, has returned to European football with a challenging task ahead at Rennes, as the 64-year-old takes over a side struggling in Ligue 1. Having managed Argentina at the 2018 World Cup and led Chile to a Copa America title, Sampaoli’s return to Ligue 1 came in November, when he was appointed as Rennes’ head coach on a contract running through next season.

His return comes after a two-year absence from the French league, following a departure from Marseille due to disagreements over transfer strategies, despite securing a second-place finish in Ligue 1 in 2022.

Sampaoli inherited a Rennes team sitting precariously in the bottom half of the league table, just above the relegation zone after a poor start to the season.

Despite being one of France’s wealthiest clubs, owned by the Pinault family, Rennes has struggled to live up to expectations, particularly after the sales of several key players in the summer. Those brought in as replacements have had difficulty settling, and Sampaoli has faced a tough start, with only two wins and three defeats in Ligue 1 since taking over.

However, Sampaoli has seen some success at home, with both of his wins coming at Roazhon Park, despite Rennes having a poor away record with just one point from eight games. As they prepare to host in-form Marseille on Saturday, Rennes will look to improve their position—currently 13th in the league, just two points above the relegation zone.

The match will mark a return to his old club for Sampaoli, whose fiery demeanor will likely be on display, pacing the touchline in his trademark woolly hat as he aims to inspire his team to turn their fortunes around.

To aid in this, Rennes has strengthened their squad in the January transfer window. Sampaoli will now have the services of Ivory Coast playmaker Seko Fofana, signed for a reported 20 million euros from Al Nassr, as well as France international goalkeeper Brice Samba, who joined from Lens.

Speaking about the new arrivals, Sampaoli expressed optimism about their immediate and long-term impact. "It is a very good sign that the club has managed to bring them in so soon," he remarked, hopeful that they would bring the necessary dynamic to rebuild a team in need of a boost.

Sampaoli Faces Tough Task at Rennes with New Signings

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