Rennes Manager Habib Beye Welcomes Pogba‘s Return, Praises Samba‘s Leadership ahead of Monaco Clash
RENNES, FRANCE – Stade Rennais manager Habib Beye addressed the media today, outlining his satisfaction with recent victories and offering insights into team dynamics ahead of Saturday’s Ligue 1 match against AS Monaco. Beye also expressed delight at the impending return of Paul Pogba to the league, and highlighted the crucial role goalkeeper Brice Samba plays both on and off the pitch.
Beye began by acknowledging the positive impact of recent results, stating, “After two successes, there are more smiles, enthusiasm, that’s what we wanted as the start of the season.Two great victories, acquired differently, it’s good for the group.” He specifically referenced the contributions of forward Breel Embolo, noting his “qualities” displayed against PFC and how his goal provided “a positive boost” to the team.beye emphasized Embolo’s potential to further improve the team’s performance in each match.
The manager also discussed the burgeoning partnership between Embolo and Kader, describing Embolo as a “relay” and ”big brother” figure to his teammate. He noted the positive synergy extending to a third attacker, estéban, evidenced by the team’s celebratory interactions.
A notable portion of the press conference focused on Brice Samba. Beye lauded the goalkeeper’s “strong personality” and “very high level” play, explaining he asks Samba to be “very present in our game plan, to be dynamic in releasing the ball.” He described Samba as “easy to train” and “necesary for the group,” adding that his performances have earned him “legitimacy.”
Turning to the broader Ligue 1 landscape, Beye warmly welcomed Paul Pogba’s return.”I’m very happy that he’s coming back, a fan of the player that he is,” he said. ”I like this player for what he does, I will never talk about him in the past tense, it’s great for Ligue 1 to see him back in a group, on the pitch. I am very happy that he can play again,he is a lover of the game,of football and for the football lover that I am,it is indeed a joy to see him again.”
Beye also briefly addressed concerns regarding the Roazhon Park pitch following a recent rugby match, assuring reporters that the groundskeepers are working diligently to ensure a “lovely lawn” for Saturday’s game. He highlighted the club’s commitment to the region, citing the loan of a team bus to a local R3 team as a positive example.
Beye praised the growth of young defenders Jérémy Jacquet and Abdelhamid Aït Boudlal, predicting they “will go very high.” he highlighted their complementary skillsets, with Jacquet possessing “ease with the ball and in duels” and Aït Boudlal being “aggressive and very good in ball releases,” contributing to a “good defensive base.”