Stade Rennais have decided to move forward with Habib Beye beyond the current campaign following a significant upturn in form since his appointment in late January.
Beye, who stepped in to replace Jorge Sampaoli on 31 January, has quickly made a lasting impression at Roazhon Park.
The former Red Star manager has breathed new life into a team that appeared to be drifting, and the Rennes hierarchy are now looking to build a longer-term project around the Senegalese coach.
At the time of his arrival, Rennes sat 16th in Ligue 1 and were firmly entrenched in a relegation battle.
Two months on, they have climbed to 12th place with 32 points, securing five victories from eight league outings under Beye’s guidance.
Notable wins over Strasbourg, Saint-Étienne, Reims, Montpellier, and Angers have helped steady the ship, even as defeats to top-tier sides Lille, Paris, and Lens served as reminders of the work that still lies ahead.
The board’s satisfaction is as much about process as it is about results. Beye has been relentless in his approach—immersing himself in the job, spending long hours at the training ground, and living out of a hotel room since his appointment.
According to sources cited by Foot Mercato, the Rennes management sees in Beye a coach with both the tactical clarity and personal commitment needed to steer the club toward long-term stability.
Beye’s influence extends beyond the touchline. His meticulous focus on tactical identity, defensive structure, and attacking transitions has resonated with the players, many of whom are responding positively to the renewed discipline and clearer expectations.
While the coach admits there is still work to be done—particularly in terms of finishing and assertiveness in key moments—his message is being well received in the dressing room.
As a result, Rennes have initiated internal discussions about their squad planning for the 2025–2026 season, an indication of the confidence they have in their current direction.
Beye’s contract includes an automatic extension clause should he avoid relegation, a condition that now seems increasingly likely to be met.
However, the board is going a step further, already considering ways to structure a project with Beye at the centre for the foreseeable future.
The club’s commitment to building around Beye could be further strengthened by the anticipated arrivals of Loïc Désiré as sporting director and Laurent Bessière as performance director—two figures expected to align well with Beye’s philosophy and work ethic.
Looking ahead to their upcoming match against Auxerre, Beye will have another chance to consolidate the momentum he has built.
A win would not only reinforce Rennes’ position in the table but also further underline the transformation taking shape under his stewardship.
For now, all signs point to a shared desire between club and coach to extend what has already become a promising partnership—one forged under pressure, but showing every indication of long-term potential.
