Rennes boss sends challenge to his players ahead of Celtic tie

Rennes boss Julien Stephan has challenged his side to recover from a poor run of form when they face Celtic on Thursday. 

Stephan’s side have been in poor form since the 1-1 draw with the Hoops on the opening day of the Europa League group stage campaign, and suffered another defeat at the weekend.

Following the loss, Stephan criticised his players and urged them to recover when they travel to Parkhead on Thursday, the Daily Record report.

We were very weak in every department. The feeling I have at the moment is one of shame for our position in the league. We have fans who come and support us and we repay them with a performance like that.

It’s a big disappointment. Me, the players and the staff should be ashamed of that. It’s a long way from being good enough. There was a lack of commitment among some of the players and that can never be acceptable. Now we have a big challenge in Scotland in midweek and I will look to see if these players can respond to this defeat.

READ CELTIC VERDICT

Rennes have certainly been in an awful run of form after an excellent start to the Ligue 1 season, winning just two of their 11 games since the draw with Celtic.

Stephan’s side are also bottom of Group E in the Europa League, with their only point thus far coming against the Hoops.

And while the Ligue 1 side will be looking to pick up at least their second point of the Europa League, Celtic will be aiming for a victory that could secure them top spot in Group E if Lazio beat CFR Cluj.