The 2-2 draw against Juventus marked a tactical turning point for Stade Rennais. At the end of the match, coach Franck Haise abandoned his usual 4-3-3 pattern to adopt a 5-3-2, a formation he had already used successfully at RC Lens. This decision, taken at the last minute, allowed the Rouge et Noir to maintain possession and limit the spaces in the opposing defense, while offering their midfielders better protection.
The 5-3-2 showed its advantages from the first time. The central defenders, supported by two full-backs, created a solid barrier against Juventus' attacks, while the three midfielders controlled the pace of the game. The attackers were able to take advantage of the spaces created by the full-backs to launch a counter-attack. This organization gave the Breton team a more coherent presence on the field and reduced the risk of defensive imbalance, a recurring problem in previous meetings.
The key players in this new system were Mahamadou Nagida and Bryan Reynolds. Nagida demonstrated excellent running ability, covering both sides of the field and supporting both defense and offense. Reynolds, meanwhile, used his running volume to create chances and contributed to the fluidity of the team game. Their performance boosted Haise's confidence in this tactical setup.
According to information from L'Équipe, the coach plans to continue with the 5-3-2 for the next matches, in particular against RC Strasbourg during the eighth day of Ligue 1. This decision could mark a lasting change in the club's strategy, returning to a formation that he knows well and which bore fruit in Lens. The choice of Haise seems motivated by the search for a balance between solid defense and offensive creativity.
The next challenge for Stade Rennais will be to confirm the effectiveness of this system against Strasbourg. A positive result could solidify the team's confidence and pave the way for a more stable season. On the other hand, a failure could push the coach to re-evaluate his tactical choice. Either way, Haise's decision to test the 5-3-2 represents a key moment of the season, providing the club with a new perspective to achieve their goals.