Many people were surprised by the departure of Steve Mandanda, OM legend, for Rennes. This was especially true for former Olympians.
Mathieu Valbuena was close to Rennes and admitted to Ouest-France that he didn’t understand why the Olympian club decided to part ways with him. The former OL player said that he found it difficult to understand the decision of Marseille and that Rennes has made a good deal. While I understand that OM is preparing for the future by signing Pau Lopez, it’s not clear to me why. It is a new evolution in football that I don’t recognize.
He continues, “Everyone knows him.” We know that he is attached to Marseille and the region. I was apprehensive that Jorge Sampaoli’s departure would result in a reshuffle in the goalkeeper hierarchy. But, we were immediately able to see that things will continue as they were with Igor Tudor’s presentation on Monday.
Valbuena also advised Rennes coach Bruno Genesio regarding his recruitment. He said, “He called me to discuss, both the player and his personality.” He is someone I have come to know well. I think highly of him.
Mandanda, 37, plans to relaunch Brittany in order to take part in the World Cup next October.
