Stade Rennais FC sporting director Loïc Désiré has defended the club's €22m investment in young attacker Eliezer Mayenda, drawing a direct comparison to José Mourinho's recent handling of a young player at Real Madrid. Speaking to Ouest-France in an interview covered by But! Football Club this week, Désiré addressed the scrutiny surrounding Mayenda's limited minutes since his big-money summer move. But! Football Club first reported the story.
Désiré pointed to the Portuguese manager's comments as a blueprint for patience. "Read what Mourinho said about Yan Diomandé last week, on a different scale… Everyone is impatient, but for me there is no issue," the sporting director stated. This reference aims to lower the immediate expectations placed on the 20-year-old forward, whose adaptation is understood to be a gradual process.
Why the club still believes in Mayenda's potential
Stade Rennais FC remains fully convinced of their signing's long-term potential. Loïc Désiré acknowledged that the player has yet to show his full capabilities. "For the moment, he hasn't completely released himself, compared to what I know of him and the reasons we invested in him," he admitted. The club, however, outright rejects any notion that the transfer was a mistake. The significant fee, which made Mayenda one of the window's major signings, is viewed as part of a medium-term project.
The pressure attached to the price tag is acknowledged, but the technical staff believes the young attacker first needs to settle. Mayenda must digest the move and shed the weight of his transfer fee. His integration within the squad continues in training, where his technical qualities are noted. The coaching team is counting on the coming months for his talent to flourish.
Where could Mayenda fit into the squad list?
Competition for places in Stade Rennais FC' attack is fierce, but opportunities exist. Mayenda, who can play as a central striker or winger, offers a different profile. His pace and ability to run in behind defences could be a valuable asset, particularly in the latter stages of matches. The team is in strong form in the league and competing on multiple fronts, which should provide minutes across the squad.
Managing the group is a constant balancing act for the manager. With several key Ligue 1 and European fixtures ahead, rotation will be essential. The team's attacking stats show an efficient unit that still has room for growth. Mayenda represents an additional option to vary the offensive schemes.
What is the timeline for his development?
No one at the club expects an overnight breakthrough. The adaptation process for a young player in a new league and a club of this stature typically takes several months. The example cited by Désiré-Mourinho defending a young talent at Real Madrid-illustrates this philosophy. It is about protecting the player and allowing him time to grow without the pressure of immediate results.
The next test for Mayenda and Stade Rennais FC is an away league fixture this weekend. The team travels with the aim of strengthening its position near the top of the standings. Every training session and each minute played is a step in the young forward's development. The club has planned his integration over the length of his contract, viewing these early months as an installation phase. The full squad list can be found on our squad page.
Eliezer Mayenda is under contract with the club until June 2029.
