Stade Rennais fought hard against Paris Saint-Germain but ultimately succumbed to a 4-1 defeat at the Parc des Princes.
Despite an encouraging display for much of the game, Rennes struggled to contain PSG’s late surge.
Speaking after the match, defender Lilian Brassier shared his thoughts on the performance, acknowledging areas for improvement while praising the quality of their opponents.
Encouraging signs despite the scoreline
Although the final scoreline suggested a one-sided contest, Brassier was keen to highlight the positives in Rennes’ performance.
We showed a good performance,” he said. “Afterwards, when they made their changes, it became very complicated.
They have world-class players. We can be proud of the team. Of course, we are disappointed with the defeat, but we are on the right track.”
Rennes had managed to keep PSG at bay for long periods before the hosts accelerated in the latter stages.
Brassier pointed to the growing cohesion within the squad and emphasized that they are improving as a unit.
Costly mistakes prove decisive
Against a team of PSG’s calibre, small errors can be fatal, and Rennes were punished for their lack of clinical finishing and defensive lapses.
Against this kind of team, you have to take your chances and punish them because that’s exactly what they did to us,” Brassier admitted.
He also expressed frustration over the circumstances leading to PSG’s first goal, particularly the quickly taken free-kick that caught Rennes off guard.
Additionally, he referenced a controversial handball incident involving Bradley Barcola, believing that the referee’s decision could have been different.
PSG’s Strength as a Collective Unit
Having faced PSG in the past, Brassier noted a clear evolution in the team’s playing style under Luis Enrique. “It’s much faster now. There are good football players, and they function well as a collective unit,” he observed.
Whereas previous PSG teams had often relied on individual brilliance, this side appears more structured and capable of breaking down defensive blocks with speed and precision.
Backing PSG in Europe
Despite the disappointment of the defeat, Brassier showed support for PSG ahead of their upcoming Champions League clash with Liverpool.
I hope they do well. They represent France. Now, we’ll see. It’s two great teams—may the best team win,” he said.
Looking ahead to the next challenge
While the loss was a setback, Brassier remained focused on the future.
He stressed the importance of maintaining consistency and not getting distracted by the standings.
We are focused on ourselves. Today, we played against PSG, and it was tough. Our goal is to win the next match,” he concluded.
With crucial fixtures ahead, Rennes will need to translate their promising performances into results as they aim to climb the Ligue 1 table.
