Rennes – MHSC: “Rennes have recruited well and have strengthened their squad. It's the opposite of us,” regretted Michel Der Zakarian

Michel Der Zakarian va devoir composer avec un effectif amputé de nombreux joueurs. Midi Libre – GIACOMO italiano

L’entraîneur s’est montré envieux, en conférence de presse, vendredi 13 septembre, des transferts réalisés par Rennes, cet été, d’autant qu’il doit faire face à une cascade de blessés.

The international break was not enough to heal Montpellier's wounds after a difficult start to the season (1 draw in 3 matches). Michel Der Zakarian, the coach, still has to deal with a squad that has lost many players. So much so that he wrote them down on a sheet of paper so as not to forget any: Jullien, Saint-Luce, Maamma, Chotard and Tamari who was injured with the Jordanian selection but also the youngsters Mamilo and Ngosso.

Kouyaté, Mincarelli, Guéguin and Sylla trained

The coach also specified those who were in re-athleticization, namely, Kouyate, Mincarelli, Guéguin, Sylla, who were all on the training ground and ran. Some of them could be there against Auxerre next week, like the latest recruit Birama Touré who is not yet ready.

As a result, it wasn't easy to remotivate the troops after the defeat against Nantes (1-3). “On has recharged his batteries. We worked even though we weren't in large numbers, with all the injured and the players who had left for the national team."

"Put a different content from Nantes"

Nevertheless, the Hérault coach is expecting a reaction for the match, Sunday, September 15, at 3 p.m. "It's essential to play a good match first. Put a very different content from that of Nantes. Even if our first half hour against Nantes wasn't too bad. We need to be much better collectively, individually."

All this against a Rennes team that has only won one match out of three. "They have two defeats in a row away from home. They recruited well, they strengthened the team well. It's the opposite of us…", noted Michel Der Zakarian. "Bringing back points is not going to be easy. Rennes is very good at home. It's up to us to show our strengths and hide our weaknesses."