Rennes had a very mixed campaign, which is reflected on the fact that they finished 10th in the league but were still somewhat satisfied by what they had achieved over the course of the season, notably their come-from-behind Coupe de France final victory over Paris Saint-Germain.
It was a campaign of notable highs for the Breton side, with that display against PSG and a 3-1 Europa League first-leg win over Arsenal the highlights. However, they finished in their lowest league position for five years and out of the top nine for just the third time since 2003.
Sabri Lamouchi started the season in charge but was jettisoned after a 4-1 home defeat by Strasbourg that left Rennes 14th. Julien Stephan, who the club had rejected an approach from Monaco for, stepped up initially as interim boss but proved so successful he was kept on until the end of the campaign.
Not only did he instigate an immediate improvement in the team that lifted them to ninth thanks to three successive league wins, he also helped them into the knockout stages of the Europa League, where they would win praise for their fearless approach.
There was not, however, universal love for Stephan, who ultimately fell out with Hatem Ben Arfa as things got tougher towards the end of the campaign. By this point the football was not so pleasing, but with the Coupe de France in the bag their goal was ultimately achieved, nevertheless, a nine-game winless streak in Le Championnat was disappointing.
Ben Arfa was a strength of the club but will surely go in the summer after his comments, while holding onto loan addition Mbaye Niang, who top scored with 11 goals will also be tough. His form was, however, a tough erratic.
A lack of consistency was a feature of Rennes’ attack throughout the campaign, with it sparkling at its best but frustrating otherwise. Such terms could easily be used to describe the seasons of both Ismaila Sarr and Benjamin Bourigeaud, as well as Adrien Hunou, who weighed in well off the bench.
Long-term injury problems did not help Rennes, who only had Sarr play 35 times or more.
Nevertheless, there is promise for the future in their academy, with Eduardo Camavinga becoming their youngest player and impressing immensely in midfield. James Lea Siliki also appears ready for a greater role.
Stalwart centre-back Mexer is on his way, while the club are seeking a new goalkeeper to give them a fresh push next term.
