PSG v Rennes – Beye sends strong messages: tactics, Paris and Dembélé

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·5 dicembre 2025

PSG v Rennes – Beye sends strong messages: tactics, Paris and Dembélé

This Saturday at 9:05 PM (broadcast on Ligue1+) Paris Saint-Germain (2nd) faces Rennes (5th) at the Parc des Princes as part of the 15th day of Ligue 1 2025-2026. In a press conference, Habib Beye, Rennes' coach, spoke about this match and the Parisian opponent. He made strong statements about the approach to the game as well as PSG's level this season, including Ousmane Dembélé (28-year-old forward) and Désiré Doué (20-year-old midfielder/forward).

Beye “Facing PSG, it's inevitable to suffer.”

How not to suffer in Paris? It's a challenge. We want to avoid giving the ball away too quickly. Facing PSG, it's inevitable to suffer. We need to be qualitative in our possessions, use the ball well to push them back. We've worked to optimize our possession times, and also use them to regenerate. What approach for this match? I don't want to copy what other teams have done well against Paris, be it Le Havre or Monaco for example. Yes, we need to challenge them, but in sequences. It's a team that is technically very strong and should have been better against Monaco. We will go as Stade Rennais, with the intention of posing problems in our own way, with our qualities.

Beye “We will need to be very reactive in our ability to change our offensive and defensive setups.”

Adjustments in the starting eleven? I can adjust my eleven based on player choice but also the system. The reality is that we will have to defend very well, put a lot of intensity inside the game. We've tried many different setups in training. We will need to be very reactive in our ability to change our offensive and defensive setups. We can't stick to one game plan from start to finish. This match will be won over time and we will need to be very, very good for 90 minutes.

Beye “At the start of the previous season, PSG was not what it was in the Champions League final at the end of May.”

PSG, weaker than the previous season? I don't think so. They have absentees who are missed in the game. But I believe that rewards come at the end of the season. It's a team that has the ability to gain momentum. At the start of the previous season, PSG was not what it was in the Champions League final at the end of May. They had a real breakthrough in January. I have a lot of respect for what PSG has been producing for the past two years.

Beye “If he plays, Dembélé will be a real threat for us.”

Doué and Dembélé in difficulty? They are not in difficulty, they are monsters. We have immense expectations with them. I saw Dembélé come on against Monaco and something happened. They are both coming back from injury, but I have no doubt they will be very good again with PSG. If he plays, Dembélé will be a real threat for us. We expect to face the best version of Paris against us, we will need to be ready.”, statements relayed by the official Rennes club site.

There are many interesting things in this speech, which differs from what we sometimes see in coach speeches that resemble each other or media messages that lack perspective and nuance. Beye reminds us that there is no magic formula to pose problems to PSG.

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Firstly, because each team has its own characteristics, strengths, and weaknesses. Not everyone can apply a high and effective press. Or play in a low block with ease and interesting counters. Also, Paris knows how to adapt during a match. Even if there is always the same objective: to dominate in possession and suffocate the opponent. So, keys must be found to break out. This, while the Parisians have different options in their lineup.

Rennes has prepared to be able to respond in the best way. Knowing that a top-level PSG is difficult to stop. It hasn't been much lately. Some already see problems, concerns. Yet, as Beye reminds us, there is nothing illogical. The Parisians are compared to an exceptional end of season. It is impossible to be at such a level permanently.

Physical form needs to be regained in a season without preparation, it takes time. And without being at the top physically, it is unthinkable to be perfect in all other areas. PSG is doing very well for months where “hell” was promised. There are even returns from injury at the moment.

Including Dembélé, with Doué expected to follow soon. Such talents inevitably add assets. Even if the former is not yet at his best, and it is logical, the Rennes coach is right to point out that his entry against Monaco changed something. Paris was more unpredictable and dangerous. We hope he can continue to build momentum. Not forgetting that others might need a break, while Bradley Barcola (23 years old) and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia (24 years old) have played a lot.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇫🇷 here.