Rennes look to make next step

As Stade Rennais FC prepare to take part in the UEFA Intertoto Cup for the first time since 1996, the club's hierarchy is hoping it will be start of bigger things on the European stage for the French outfit.

Great expectations
First, though, Rennes have to overcome Ukrainian side FC Tavriya Simferopol knowing that it was another team from that nation, FC Shakhtar Donetsk, who put paid to their 2005/06 UEFA Cup campaign after a 1-0 home defeat. Guy Lacombe's players finished sixth in Ligue 1 last season but, under the ownership of one of France's biggest distribution companies in Groupe Pinault, expectations are higher this time round.

Early starters
The players returned from their summer break on 23 June and Lacombe is determined that they will be ready for the start of the top-flight season on 9 August, when they meet Olympique de Marseille. "We will look at the Intertoto games as preparation but with a particular focus on the last week before the league starts," the coach said. "Our physical trainer will prepare the players so they can last 90 minutes."

International commitments
However, ahead of their third-round tie with Tavriya, Rennes do have some personnel concerns due to players being away on international duty. Sweden defender Petter Hansson, who played all three of his country's games at UEFA EURO 2008™, Ghana pair John Mensah and Gyan Asamoah – who was signed this summer from Udinese Calcio – and Cameroon midfielder Stéphane M'Bia have all only just returned to training.

Giving youth a chance
Lacombe plans to fill the gaps with players from the club's youth academy, voted the best in France for the past three years. "This competition is the best way for us to give a chance to the youngsters," Lacombe said. The coach will also be looking to his new additions to help the club progress. Aside from Gyan, Rennes have Moussa Sow back from a loan spell at second-tier side CS Sedan-Ardennes and United States defender Carlos Bocanegra, who has arrived from Fulham FC within the last week. However, it seems unlikely that 22-year-old striker Jimmy Briand will be involved as he discusses a possible transfer away from the club.