Habib Beye under intense scrutiny as Stade Rennais struggle to find form

Stade Rennais coach Habib Beye faces growing pressure after a poor run of results that has unsettled both fans and pundits.

The Senegalese manager has come under heavy criticism following Rennes’ disappointing start to the Ligue 1 season, with his team winning only one of their last six matches.

RMC Sport commentator Daniel Riolo expressed strong doubts about Beye’s future at the club, stating, “Habib Beye at Rennes is dead.

That’s what I think.” Riolo claimed the coach had lost the confidence of key players, including Brice Samba and Seko Fofana, suggesting a divided dressing room at Roazhon Park.

His comments have intensified debate about Beye’s ability to lead the squad through their current struggles.

Despite the criticism, some analysts believe Beye’s job remains safe for now.

Football journalist Pierre Ménès offered a more balanced view on his YouTube channel, saying, “I don’t think Habib Beye is in danger at the moment, but his team still needs to wake up.”

He pointed out that Rennes have struggled particularly in away matches and frequently dropped points from winning positions.

Ménès referenced their recent collapse against Le Havre, where Rennes squandered a 2-0 lead. “Their end to the match was inexplicable and inexcusable,” he remarked. “You can’t lose control like that when you’re leading comfortably.”

The veteran journalist also criticised Beye’s approach to coaching, contrasting his media skills with his managerial performance.

“Habib doesn’t shy away from the microphones. I know he enjoys it and he’s good at it,” said Ménès. “But he must understand that he’s now a coach, not a consultant.

What matters most is getting results, not shining behind the microphone on Ligue 1+ or beIN.”

Ménès questioned Beye’s tactical decisions and squad management, particularly his defensive setup and midfield selections.

“I struggle to see where he wants to take his team,” he said. “Defensively, they look fragile. The midfield lacks balance, especially when Ludovic Blas sits on the bench.”

He also doubted the attacking partnership of Esteban Lepaul and Breel Embolo despite their goals against Le Havre.

“Even though they scored, I’m not convinced this attack can carry the team into Europe,” he added.

Rennes’ recent performances have left supporters frustrated, with many calling for more consistency and cohesion.

The club, once considered a strong contender for European qualification, now faces mounting pressure to rediscover form before the situation worsens.

Beye, who took over with ambitions of modernising Rennes’ playing style, must now prove he can deliver results under pressure.

His tactical acumen and leadership will face a major test in the coming weeks as the team attempts to climb back up the Ligue 1 table.

With growing media scrutiny and internal challenges, the Senegalese coach finds himself in one of the toughest periods of his managerial career.

Whether he can turn things around may determine his long-term future with Stade Rennais.