Stade Rennais FC vs Nice preview - Montanier hopes Rennes stay focused

Manager Philippe Montanier will not allow his Rennes players to switch off during the final few matches of their Ligue 1 campaign.

Rennes host Nice on Saturday comfortably in mid-table.

However, following last weekend's 1-1 draw at Monaco, Montanier expects his team to pick up the tempo as they look to improve on last season's points tally.

"We must find a balance between relaxation and the need to make the effort," Montanier said at a press conference.

"Technically, we see players more comfortable, they take a little more risk because they are more liberated.

"Pressure is useful, it keeps you always on the alert, but when it is too strong, it destroys."

Rennes are unbeaten in their past four home matches, and Montanier would like to extend that record over the closing five games of the campaign.

"It will be difficult, but it is a good challenge that is not unreachable," he said.

"We want to be passing 50 points, as this would mean that we have done better than last season."

Midfielder Abdoulaye Doucoure will be suspended on Saturday, so Sanjin Prcic is expected to come into the side.

Nice lost 3-1 at home to Paris St Germain last weekend, but Claude Puel's side are another not really in danger, some six points clear of the relegation places.

Defender Gregoire Puel believes the players must stay focused.

He said on the club's official website, www.ogcnice.com: "We are ready to fight in every game remaining to go secure our place.

"With a win and a draw, it would be done, but overall we will try to win all matches to finish as high as possible."