Goodbye OM, Steve Mandanda arrives at Stade Rennais for two seasons

The last time he came to Rennes, Steve Mandada was perhaps one of the best Marseilles. The OM goalkeeper lost twice to Bourigeaud and Majer before making a mammoth save against the Croatian midfielder to prevent his team from sinking. Two months after this defeat, the native of Kinshasa (Democratic Republic of Congo) was back in the Breton capital on Wednesday. This time, the OM manager had not taken his gloves but a pen to sign a two-season contract with Stade Rennais.

In search of “an experienced goalkeeper” after the disappointing season of Senegalese Alfred Gomis, Bruno Genesio had long targeted Steve Mandanda. It must be said that the former French international has a well-stocked CV at the height of his 37 years with 34 selections for the France team and 610 matches played under the colors of OM since 2007. Champion of France in 2010, winner of the Coupe de la Ligue in 2010, 2011 and 2012, the goalkeeper suffered this season competition from Pau Lopez for the starting position.

Seeing Steve Mandanda played at the Vélodrome with another shirt than that of the Olympique de Marseille, I must admit that my little heart is not ready.

— . (@ozuflal) July 5, 2022

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Under contract until 2024, Mandanda had a frank discussion with his president Pablo Longoria, who would have agreed to let him go free. The latter explained himself during the presentation of the new coach Igor Tudor. “We talked a lot with him about his position in the club. We talked, we said that the goalkeeper model will be the same as last year, with competition. We had sincere conversations.” By signing in Rennes, the goalkeeper trained in Le Havre secures an undisputed place as number 1. He will be responsible for training the young 19-year-old Turk Dogan Alemdar, who could be his successor.

By signing in Brittany, Steve Mandanda knows that he will not play in the Champions League with the Olympians this season. On the other hand, he will participate in the Europa League with Stade Rennais. The supporters are now waiting for the signing of another world champion, since Samuel Umtiti is announced very close to Rennes, in particular to compensate for the departure of Nayef Aguerd in England.