Ligue 1 2022/23: Why Reims astonishing victory over Rennes speaks volumes about highly-rated manager Will Still – tactical analysis

Amazingly, Reims interrupted Rennes streak of nearly 20 games without a loss. Under Bruno Génésio, Rennes have seen an incredible run in which their full potential has been realised. The best season in club history has unquestionably begun for Rennes, who are now in the fourth position.

After a five-match winning run, Génésios side is currently ranked in the top four of all five of Europes major leagues, putting them on track for a historic season. Their close competition is up top with Lens, the surprise one, Marseille and the mighty PSG.

Oscar Garcia was fired by Reims, the fourth Ligue 1 team to do so since Sunday. Garcia was replaced by experienced gamer William Still, although the 30-year-old is still one of the youngest managers in the top league in Europe.

Garcias team came in bottom place in Frances first league with only one victory in ten games. So, Still, the assistant was appointed interim manager. Reims was persuaded to make him a permanent after his 9 points were earned in his five games before the World Cup.

Since choosing to make a career out of coaching, he has spent most of his time as an assistant coach. The Belgian-English national has prior experience with a team aimed to get promoted to the Belgian Pro League from the second tier.

Génésio, 56, is notable for having coached OL for four years before his time with Beijing Guoan in China (2019-2021). Rennes has played sixteen games this season and only lost three, including this one.

This tactical analysis will examine how Still was able to overcome a championship-contending team despite the statistical disadvantage. This analysis will also include the use of both managers tactics to mould the team.

Lineups

Will Stills squad have recorded the second youngest average age in the starting line-up with an average of just 24. He preferred 4-4-2 over his usual 4-2-3-1 to face the newly unrivalled Rennes.

He started with Yehavnn Diouf who has featured nine times out of a total of 16 this season. After Stills takeover, the youngster has seen the highest features in his career. Yunis Abdelhamid and Emmanuel Agbadou, the Ivorian international, started as the left and right centre-backs, with Thibault De Smet and Thomas Fokets company as the left and right full-backs.

Marshall Munetsi, the Zimbabwean, paired up with Azor Matusiwa, the constant for Still. Arbër Zeneli, the number ten of Reims started as the left-winger who has been the main outlet for problems. Junya Ito, the Japanese, fell on right-flank. Folarin Balogun, the Arsenal loanee, teamed up with an interesting choice, Alexis Flips, usually a right-back and occasionally a winger.

Since arriving at Rennes, Génésio has secured over 55.4% of win percentage to his total 83 games. His decision to use a 4-3-3 system was unexpected given that his previous triumphs largely employed a 4-4-2 configuration.

Steve Mandanda, the ultimate choice for Rennes, started between the sticks. Arthur Theate and Warmed Omari played as the left and right centre-backs. The young Adrien Truffert and the experienced Hamari Traoré played as the left and right full-backs.

Lesley Ugochukwu played as the single pivot, with Benj