Rennes’ Bruno Genesio after 3-0 win against Maccabi Haifa: “We found some of our virtues back.” | OneFootball

Rennes have kicked off their Europa League campaign in style by inflicting a 3-0 hammering to Israeli side Maccabi Haifa. Goals from Ludovic Blas, Adrien Truffert and Bertug Yildirim handed Bruno Genesio’s side a perfect start in Group F. The gap in class was evident to see with Les Rouge et Noir running riot in Haifa’s half of the pitch. The former Lyon manager was pleased to see glimpses of a Stade Rennais side back to his best. “Our style of play was pleasing“, said Genesio in his post-game press conference attended by Get French Football News. “But I’m more satisfied by our attitude from start to finish.“

On the back of Rennes’ disappointing home 2-2 draw against Lille on Saturday, Genesio lamented his side’s inability to let loose, citing too much tactical work and not enough initiative. It appears some of these wrongs have been righted. “We found some of our virtues back“, Genesio added. “The desire to press together, to run at our opponents and to never give in. Our first two goals embody this risk-taking approach. We previously lost this capacity to attempt difficult things.“

The Rennes manager also lauded his side’s ability to no let complacency creep in after Ludovic Blas’ stunning opener in the first minute. “The first goal only strengthened our belief in what we had to do.” Tougher challenges await for Stade Rennais. The Bretons will travel to Villarreal in two weeks’ time. In the meantime, they will need to step up in Ligue 1 after drawing their last four league games. “We must be able to offer this kind of performance in the league, and regularly.“

GFFN | Bastien Cheval