Former Mourinho protégé Nemanja Matić embarks on new journey with Rennes

Posted : 20 September 2023

Nemanja Matić, the Serbian midfielder, who had a significant portion of his career shaped by his close association with Jose Mourinho, made a surprising move to Rennes in the summer of 2022.

Matić had previously played under Mourinho at Chelsea and Manchester United, but this transfer marked a shift away from the Mourinho connection. Rennes managed to secure Matić for just two million euros, a move that garnered attention due to his prior association with Mourinho.

In his final season with AS Roma, Matić was not a regular starter, primarily reserving his energy for key matches, particularly in the Europa League. Roma's failure to qualify for the Champions League opened the door for Matić to explore other options.

Rennes, under coach Bruno Genesio and sporting director Florian Morris, identified Matić as a player who could contribute to their ambition of finishing in the top four in France and achieving success in the Europa League.

Matić, who is planning a future career as a coach, was drawn to the challenge of playing under a new coach in a different league. He expressed his enthusiasm for Rennes' playing style and saw it as an opportunity to expand his football knowledge beyond Mourinho's methods.

His arrival at Rennes generated immense excitement among fans, with thousands gathering at the airport to welcome him, an uncommon occurrence in Brittany.

While Rennes made several high-profile signings of younger and more technically gifted players in the summer, Matić's arrival was seen as a statement of intent.

His experience and reputation as a well-known player added to Rennes' appeal and increased their international recognition. The club's president and coach welcomed the acquisition as a sign of growth and development.

Rennes has ambitious goals for the season, including maintaining a top-four position in Ligue 1 to secure a Champions League spot and making a significant impact in European competitions.

Matić's vast experience in European matches, having played 93 games in his career, provides Rennes with valuable expertise as they aim for success in the group stages and beyond. The French club sees Matić as a key asset in achieving these objectives.

Rennes faces the challenge of securing a victory against Maccabi Haifa to change their season's momentum, as their first four league games ended in draws. The French club, considered favorites in their Europa League group, is determined to progress with Matić's contributions. For Matić, this match represents an opportunity to secure his first victory in this new chapter of his career.

Former Mourinho protégé Nemanja Matić embarks on new journey with Rennes

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