Stade Rennais head coach Habib Beye has urged his players to approach their upcoming match against Lille without any sense of inferiority, insisting that they have the quality to compete with one of Ligue 1’s top sides.
Since taking charge, Beye has guided Rennes to two consecutive victories, securing a 1-0 win against Strasbourg and a 2-0 triumph over Saint-Étienne.
Now preparing for a bigger challenge against a Lille team that has impressed both in France and in Europe, the Senegalese coach remains confident in his squad’s progress.
Building a competitive identity
Beye is less focused on immediate results and more on shaping Rennes into a team with a strong identity.
He emphasized the importance of his squad embracing a proactive and aggressive playing style.
For me, the most important thing is the team’s adherence to the ideas of the coach, the staff, and the club, he explained.
We want to be a team that is conquering, proactive, and engaged in everything we do.
Of course, results matter, but beyond points, we have seen clear progress between the Strasbourg match and the one against Saint-Étienne.
The former Senegal international also highlighted the team’s ability to control games better, pointing out how their pressing and tactical execution against Saint-Étienne demonstrated significant improvement.
A positive atmosphere in the dressing room
The coach acknowledged that back-to-back wins have lifted the team’s morale, but he believes a positive atmosphere must be built on hard work rather than just results.
What matters most is what we build day by day—the bond we create through competition, Beye said. There are not just eleven players in a project; everyone is involved.
The cohesion we have must not be dictated by results but by the commitment we show every day.
Aiming to challenge Lille
Lille, who have been among the strongest teams in Ligue 1 this season, will be a significant test for Rennes.
With a squad full of talent and a strong campaign in the Champions League, they enter the match as favorites.
However, Beye remains firm in his belief that his side can rise to the occasion.
This is a team that has made its mark in the Champions League. Finishing in the top eight is exceptional.
They have a high-quality squad and a strong coach in Bruno Genesio,” he said.
Despite acknowledging Lille’s strength, Beye insists Rennes will not back down. “We must not have any feeling of inferiority.
Just as we did against Strasbourg and Saint-Étienne, we will approach this match with the desire to dominate certain aspects and cause them problems.
We are confident in our strengths and will play with great serenity.
As Rennes continue their resurgence under Beye, Sunday’s fixture against Lille will serve as a crucial test of their development and ambitions for the remainder of the season.
