Rennes: Mandanda breaks the silence after the arrival of Samba

The arrival of Brice Samba in Rennes shakes up the balance of the cages. Steve Mandanda reacted, and his first impressions say a lot about his state of mind.

The arrival of Brice Samba at Stade Rennais triggered a real shock wave. Steve Mandanda, unstoppable since his arrival in 2022, now finds himself in direct competition with a goalkeeper designated to embody the future of the club. A situation which is reminiscent of his departure from Olympique de Marseille, where Jorge Sampaoli preferred Pau Lopez.

While Rennes supporters hope for harmonious cohabitation, it seems that this emerging rivalry has already disrupted the 2018 world champion. Mandanda, who hoped to finish his career in Brittany in complete peace of mind, finds himself facing unexpected uncertainty.

A tense atmosphere

According to a relative of Mandanda interviewed by La Provence, the experienced goalkeeper does not hide his discomfort in the face of this new hierarchy : “Steve is wondering, he’s waiting. He would have preferred better management. » These comments reflect a certain frustration, even if no open tension seems for the moment to disrupt the balance of the team.

This rivalry is rooted in an already complex relationship between the two men. During their joint visit to Marseille, a declaration from Brice Samba, who wanted to take Mandanda’s place, left its mark. Since then, a certain distance has set in, making cohabitation even more difficult.

What future for Mandanda?

For Steve Mandanda, this new competition comes at a crucial moment in his career. At 39, he knows that his performances are closely scrutinized. Christophe Lollichon, former Chelsea goalkeeping coach, underlines: “He’s passionate. But at a certain age, we experience a decline in performance. »

Rennes must now manage this transition skillfully. Brice Samba, who arrived from Lens, embodies the future, but Mandanda, with his experience, could still have a role to play. Everything will depend on the choices of Jorge Sampaoli, who will have to quickly clarify responsibilities to avoid any friction in the locker room.

While Mandanda remains waiting, the arrival of Samba could mark a turning point for the historic goalkeeper. His future in Rennes, and perhaps in football, is now suspended on future decisions.