Rennes on the rise in France

Coach Pierre Dréossi is sure Stade Rennais FC can "be competitive" in France and Europe after another fine result at the weekend left them third in Ligue 1.

Climbing up
A 2-1 win at RC Lens on Sunday left Rennes level on points with second-placed AS Nancy-Lorraine and four adrift of league leaders Olympique Lyonnais. The coach is also hoping for success in the French League Cup – where they meet Valenciennes FC in the last 16 on Wednesday – and the UEFA Cup. "The challenge will be to deal with all those competitions," said Dréossi. "We can be competitive in all of them."

Unhappy ending
Twice the winners of the French Cup, Rennes matched their best-ever league performance last season by finishing fourth, but they had little to celebrate on the final day of the campaign as a 92nd-minute equaliser conceded against LOSC Lille Métropole saw them lose third place – and a berth in UEFA Champions League qualifying – to Toulouse FC. "That is something you cannot forget easily," admitted Dréossi at the start of the season.

Renewed momentum
That disappointment has not dampened Rennes' hunger for glory, and with the backing of one of France's most successful businessmen – François Pinault – they are yet again aiming for a top-three finish this term. "I don't know whether we can do better [than last season] or not," Dréossi said. "However, I know that with two points per game, our current average, we might have a nice surprise waiting for us at the end of the season."

Wiltord masterclass
Lens took the lead after 50 minutes in Sunday's game through former Rennes midfielder Olivier Monterrubio, but summer signing Sylvain Wiltord equalised eight minutes later before creating the winner for Jérôme Leroy. "We need a bit more composure to become genuine high-fliers," added Dréossi. The same may also be true in the UEFA Cup where Rennes lost their opening Group D game 1-0 at FC Basel 1893. They will look to regain their footing at home to SK Brann on Matchday 2.