Habib Beye, manager of Ligue 1’s Stade Rennais, is reportedly preparing to make a bold move by benching goalkeeper Brice Samba for the team’s challenging away match against RC Lens on . The decision, according to French sports publication L’Equipe, comes amidst a concerning slump in form for Rennes and echoes a similar, high-stakes gamble Beye took last October.
The move is particularly striking given Samba’s status as an international player and a key figure in the Rennes squad. It’s a tactic reminiscent of Beye’s decision in October 2025, when he sidelined both Seko Fofana and Ludovic Blas ahead of a match against Toulouse. At the time, Beye’s position as manager was under serious threat. That controversial move initially yielded positive results, sparking an impressive run of eight wins in nine games and temporarily alleviating the pressure.
However, the positive momentum appears to have faded. Rennes is currently enduring a four-match winless streak, punctuated by heavy defeats against AS Monaco (4-0) and Olympique de Marseille (3-0). These losses have reignited doubts about Beye’s tactical approach and his ability to manage the team effectively. In this tense atmosphere, any decisive action by Beye is viewed as both an attempt to regain control and a potential ultimatum to his players.
The defeat to Marseille was reportedly marked by heated exchanges between Beye and several key players, including Samba. Sources indicate that the goalkeeper was unhappy with a comment made by his manager during the match, leading to a confrontation and exacerbating existing tensions within the squad. This breakdown in communication appears to be a significant factor in Beye’s decision to potentially drop Samba for the Lens fixture.
The anticipated absence of Samba is being interpreted as both a disciplinary measure and a clear message to the rest of the team. Just as in October, Beye is taking a significant risk. If the gamble backfires and Rennes suffers another defeat at the Stade Bollaert-Delelis, it could spell the end of Beye’s tenure as manager. The stakes are undeniably high.
Without their first-choice goalkeeper and with palpable tension within the squad, Rennes will need to demonstrate a level of unity that has been conspicuously absent in recent weeks. Beyond the final score, the team’s collective response, attitude, and Beye’s ability to rally his players will be closely scrutinized. A victory in Lens could revitalize the team’s momentum and reaffirm Beye’s authority. However, another defeat could effectively signal the end of his managerial reign.
The situation highlights a broader trend within Ligue 1, as noted in recent analysis. A recent draw between Rennes and Lens in September 2025, despite Lens playing with ten men for the majority of the match, was described by Beye as a “small miracle.” This result, and others like it, have raised questions about the league’s tactical discipline and the ability of teams to capitalize on advantages. The article in Memesita.com points to a potential softening of defensive structures and a focus on individual flair over cohesive team tactics.
The early red card issued to Lens defender Jonathan Gradit in the September match, stemming from a challenge on former teammate Seko Fofana, initially appeared to hand Rennes a significant advantage. However, Lens defied the odds, demonstrating remarkable resilience and tactical acumen despite being a man down. As detailed in Archysport, Lens’s ability to adapt and maintain composure was key to securing a draw. This match underscored the importance of mentality and tactical flexibility in overcoming adversity.
The upcoming fixture at the Stade Bollaert-Delelis, scheduled for , as reported by Sofascore, represents a critical juncture for both teams. For Lens, it’s an opportunity to build on their reputation for fighting spirit. For Rennes, and particularly for Beye, it’s a chance to salvage a faltering season and demonstrate that his gamble will pay off, or risk facing the consequences.
