Sérgio Conceição in the plans of a Ligue 1 club

The French sports portal Foot Mercato reported on Tuesday that Sérgio Conceição is being considered by Rennes as a strong candidate to replace Julien Stéphan, the club's current manager, who may be on the verge of departure.

Stéphan’s future at Rennes appears uncertain following a heavy 4-0 defeat to Auxerre on Sunday, which has placed additional pressure on his position. The loss highlighted the club's recent struggles in Ligue 1, with Rennes currently sitting in 13th place, well below expectations for a team with European ambitions.

The report reveals that Sérgio Conceição, who recently managed FC Porto with notable success, has shown interest in returning to French football through Rennes. Conceição, 49, has a history in Ligue 1, having previously managed Nantes, where he made a strong impression before his tenure at Porto. His time at Nantes, although brief, was marked by a disciplined approach that quickly garnered respect in the French league, making him an appealing option for Rennes as they seek stability and renewed focus.

Beyond Sérgio Conceição, several other high-profile names are also under consideration by Rennes. The French press has mentioned Rudi García, a seasoned Ligue 1 manager with stints at Lyon and Marseille; Igor Tudor, a Croatian coach with a reputation for tactical rigor; Patrick Vieira, the former Arsenal legend who has managed Nice and Crystal Palace; and Habib Beye, a respected figure in French football with coaching experience at Red Star. Each candidate brings distinct qualities, but Conceição’s familiarity with the league and his record of success in Portugal could give him an edge in the selection process.

Foot Mercato points out that Rennes’ interest in Conceição is not the first time he has been linked with a return to Ligue 1. This past summer, he was reportedly a candidate for the managerial role at Marseille, another top French club, though they ultimately chose Roberto De Zerbi. This interest from multiple Ligue 1 clubs indicates Conceição’s growing reputation in European football, and his style a combination of discipline, intensity, and tactical structure could be precisely what Rennes needs to turn around their season.

For Rennes, currently underperforming at 13th place, the search for a new manager reflects the urgency to steer the club back on track. The club has invested significantly in recent seasons with the goal of becoming a consistent presence in European competitions. However, inconsistency and disappointing results have hampered their ambitions, making this managerial decision critical for their future direction. Conceição, known for his high standards and winning mentality, could be the ideal choice to instill a competitive mindset at Rennes.

If Rennes proceeds with the appointment of Conceição, it could mark a turning point in their season. The former Porto manager is known for building resilient teams capable of competing at high levels, as evidenced by his multiple league titles in Portugal and success in European competitions with Porto. His tactical approach emphasizes defensive solidity, fast transitions, and a strong work ethic, qualities that could resonate well with Rennes’ current squad.

As the situation unfolds, Rennes fans and French football observers are watching closely to see if Conceição will indeed make his return to Ligue 1. A move to Rennes could also offer him the opportunity to build on his reputation outside of Portugal and potentially attract attention from even larger European clubs in the future. Meanwhile, the club’s management faces a critical decision that could either stabilize their season or lead to further upheaval if results don’t improve.