This Friday, as part of Matchday 22 of Ligue 1 2025-2026, Paris Saint-Germain faced Rennes at Roazhon Park. Rennes coach Sébastien Tambouret spoke at a press conference after PSG’s 3-1 defeat.
Tambouret: “We also used it as a good source of energy.”
“We simply wanted to make our presence felt with this game plan, with the objective of not dropping too deep, of being committed as a team and not each on our own. It often comes down to very little, but it’s also about accepting the risk-benefit ratio. If we defended well as a team, we could then attack effectively.
There was frustration among the players regarding their recent performances on the pitch. We also used that as a good source of energy. We needed to release that tension, and in four days, we moved towards clarity and commitment, simple things.
Tambouret: “We also wanted to force the Parisians out wide as much as possible.”
We played with a back four because we also had some players missing in defense, which made us think. We also wanted to force the Parisians out wide as much as possible. The guys at the back supported each other, communicated, and were focused for 90 minutes, covering and anticipating.
We saw a team, after four intense days together, “We enjoyed ourselves. To play, you have to smile and be happy. We showed the image we wanted,” remarks reported by Ouest-France.
It’s interesting to see a team “dare” to play against PSG, to have this idea of coming to bother them and preventing them from playing the way they want. It’s a change from the very defensive approach we sometimes see, which is a bit of a “surrender” in the game. Even if they can be more cautious, depending on their resources. And here, Rennes is doing well, something Tambouret hasn’t forgotten.
The match could have quickly turned in favor of the Parisians, who squandered many opportunities. Perhaps not to the extent of the 5-0 defeat in December, as Rennes offered better resistance this time, but a Parisian victory was certainly possible. The Breton team, of course, deserves credit nonetheless.
The situation was particularly complicated; it took considerable effort to cause PSG any problems. It’s a great achievement for the coach and one to savor. The key will be to maintain this mentality. And, of course, to address certain aspects of their play, because PSG were also prone to errors.
