Following being drawn to face AC Milan in the play-off round of the Europa League, Stade Rennais president Olivier Cloarec spoke to journalists about his immediate feelings about the draw and the importance of staying focused.
A brief look at Stade Rennais’ season so far brings one thing to the eye – disappointment. In recent years, Rennes have competed at the top end of Ligue 1. However, this season, they are closer to being in the relegation conversation rather than one regarding European places.
Though looking at their performances in Europe, the picture is much different. From six games in the Europa League, Rennes won four times, succumbing to the eventual winners of their group, Villarreal, twice – which means that Milan still has to be at their best to beat the French outlet, regardless of their current struggles in the league.
This is already known by the Rossoneri, though, as CEO Giorgio Furlani admitted earlier that the club was ‘indifferent’ in regards to who they faced, saying that they would have to play anyone and everyone if they wanted to win the competition. The full interview can be found here.
Olivier Cloarec spoke to journalists following the draw, and his comments were relayed by MilanPress.
Immediate reaction following being drawn against AC Milan…
“It is a great draw, a beautiful poster, I am happy for the club, the players, the fans. We are going to the San Siro, we will be outsiders but we will play our luck with courage.”
Does the draw help with the wounds from the game against Villarreal?
“We were very disappointed after Villarreal, but we have to look ahead. This draw will erase some of the disappointment of last Thursday.”
His side cannot get distracted…
“We will play hard on all fronts, but Wednesday’s game in Clermont, which is very important, is already on everyone’s mind.”
Villareal isn’t even good so how good can Rennes be? This is going to be easy peasy 🙂
Pioli has a way of making easy things hard. Fingers crossed.
😅so true…let’s hope they turn the corner and become more consistent come 2024