Franck Haise plans to trim Rennes squad as pre-season continues | OneFootball

Franck Haise is pleased with Rennes’ early recruitment and intends to slim an oversized squad during pre-season, with a Guingamp friendly in Dinard on Friday and a camp next week.

According to L'Équipe, Wednesday training briefly paused, Anthony Rouault was out with a back issue. New signings Eliezer Mayenda and Bryan Reynolds were involved.

They join Adrien Thomasson, Gonçalo Oliveira, Issa Soumaré and back-up keeper Nicolas Lemaître to make six additions. Haise still wants a centre-back, with the Charlie Cresswell pursuit at Toulouse appearing on hold.

After using two XIs in a 1-2 loss to Caen on 9 July, some players will get more minutes on Friday, capped at 60. Jordan James, who is set to leave, is again unlikely to play. Haise plans to narrow numbers, saying he cannot involve 29 outfielders.

The 29 exclude Seko Fofana and Mousa Al-Tamari, due back next week, and Alidu Seidu, Breel Embolo and Brice Samba. Glen Kamara, Mikayil Faye and Ayanda Sishuba are outside current plans. The aim is roughly 23-24 outfielders rather than 35.

Outgoings are quiet, with Djaoui Cissé likely to depart and uncertainty over Ludovic Blas, Lilian Brassier and Embolo. Decisions also loom on several youngsters over senior roles or loans.

Rennes, sixth last season and in the Europa League, face Club Bruges, Galatasaray, Brentford and Sunderland before visiting PSG on 23 August. Haise wants sharper defensive transitions and more precision in build-up, integrating the newcomers.

Source: L'Équipe