Stade Rennais FC vs Lens preview - Rennes seek winning return

Posted Friday, October 03, 2014 by PA

Rennes seek to get back to winning ways on Saturday evening with manager Philippe Montanier urging his players to cut out the mistakes which have seen them tumble down Ligue 1.

The Reds and Blacks were winless during a difficult stretch in September, picking up only one point from games against Paris St-Germain, Marseille, Toulouse and Bordeaux.

Rennes have slipped to 15th place after a good start to the season and Montanier has called for a more ruthless approach at the Stade De La Route De Lorient.

"We must keep a cool head, look at what we did right and correct any errors that have been fatal," Montanier said ahead of Lens' visit.

"We must ensure that the small details turn in our favour. To create opportunities is encouraging but we must be more efficient.

"If you do not score you're not immune to a fault or a refereeing error and a result against you.

"The match will be difficult but it is important to bounce back at home and we feel we can do it."

Rennes are without suspended defender Sylvain Armand and midfielder Andreas Konradsen, who has a calf strain, while Lens have lost Ahmed Kantari and Jerome Le Moigne to suspension.

Lens manager Antoine Kombouare lost nine players in the summer and admits he must trust his youngsters after also going four games without a win.

"Young players know they are going to play games, now they have to take it and be able to seize their chance," said Kombouare.

"They must take advantage of this opportunity and I have great confidence in what they are able to show.

"There are a few that turn out and are able to raise their level of play.

"Now the hard part for them is to confirm their good performance over time.

"Whatever the players present, our aim is to go to Rennes to embarrass our opponents, make them doubt and why not win?"