Stade Rennais confirmed the viability of its new 3‑5‑2 after an uncompromising 3‑0 victory against Strasbourg. This performance, coming just after the 2-2 draw against Juventus in Turin, allowed coach Franck Haïse to validate the organization he had presented to the press. With 16 points in eight days, the Rouge et Noir now occupy provisional first place in the championship, while the club confirms its return to the European scene.
In the match against Strasbourg, Boulaye Dia scored his fourth goal in five games, while Sebastian Szymanski scored twice. The score highlighted the defensive solidity of the team, which did not concede any points, and the ability of its midfielders to control the game. Haïse stressed that the collective progress observed in this configuration was proof that the 3‑5‑2 is worth continuing. According to comments reported by Morning Foot, the players confirmed that they felt comfortable in this system.
Mahdi Camara explained that the main improvement came from reducing the distances between players, especially in midfield. “We are closer to each other, especially in the middle, which makes it easier to combine and react when you lose the ball,” he said. This proximity allows better coordination in the midfield and reinforces the density of the central axis. The return of Boulaye Dia to the midfield position also increases defensive solidity without compromising offensive options.
The move to three central defenders has also been beneficial for the players in the corridor. Mahamadou Nagida and Przemysław Frankowski benefit from additional cover behind them, which allows them to project more. Quentin Merlin also made his contribution after coming into play. Haïse noted that this role makes it possible to better highlight the qualities of these players while reducing their faults. Thus, the coach now has a formula that effectively exploits the different profiles of his squad.
Despite setting up the 3‑5‑2, Haïse keeps a second option on hand. He appreciates the possibility of alternating between two organizations depending on the opponents and match scenarios. The success against Strasbourg reinforces the trend initiated in Turin, but does not mean that the 3-5-2 will become the club's only system. In a few days, Rennes stood up to Juventus then dominated a Ligue 1 competitor without conceding, demonstrating that this configuration can be a major asset in the coming season.