Stade Rennais FC begins its Europa League campaign on Thursday evening away to Sturm Graz with a squad seasoned in European competition. This collective experience is a major asset for manager Franck Haise, who is targeting direct qualification for the knockout rounds.
Thirteen players in the Stade Rennais FC squad have prior continental experience. Sebastian Szymanski is the most seasoned with 60 matches under his belt. Others like Mahdi Camara, Anthony Rouault, Valentin Rongier, and Adrien Thomasson also bring know-how, some gained in the Champions League with former clubs. "Stade Rennais is not lacking in ambition," the coach stated.
This marks the Breton club's seventh European participation in nine seasons, a return to the continental stage 937 days after its last match, a 3-2 win over AC Milan at Roazhon Park in the playoff round. The stated goal is clear: to reach the quarter-finals for the first time in the club's history.
To achieve that, the journey starts with a group stage where a top-eight finish is needed for direct qualification. A place between 9th and 24th would mean a further playoff round. Stade Rennais FC approaches this challenge buoyed by its last Ligue 1 outing, a 1-0 win over Olympique de Marseille on September 11th thanks to a goal from Adrien Thomasson. That result kept the club as co-leader of the championship with ten points from a possible twelve. The top scorer this season is currently E. Lepaul with three goals.
The squad list, packed with this European experience, is also available via the squad. Kick-off against Sturm Graz is at 18:45.
More detail at But! Football Club
