Nemanja Matić’s (35) fallout with Stade Rennais worsened this morning when the former Serbian international was reported to have left the city in an attempt to force a move away from Rennes.
L’Équipe reports that Matić emptied his locker on Tuesday evening and this Wednesday morning left Rennes with his family. The player only signed with Les Rouges et Noirs in the summer but has since then become disillusioned with life in Rennes.
The disagreement with the club appears to be based on a misunderstanding that Matić had when agreeing to represent Rennes this season. He believed that there would be an international school in the city where his children could be educated, as they do not speak French.
However, no such school exists in Rennes, this fact coupled with the general poor performances and the midseason sacking of the manager who convinced Matić to join the project has forced the player’s hand, as he seeks an early exit.
Nemanja Matić a quitté Rennes ce matin avec sa famille et ses valises (ici en photo à la gare). Le milieu de terrain serbe ne devrait plus rejouer avec les Rouge et Noir. Il avait vidé son casier à la Piverdière en début de semaine. #SRFC pic.twitter.com/z0J9yLQ0r0
— Clément Gavard (@Clem_Gavv) January 10, 2024
Matić replacement lined up
This has left the club scrambling to find a replacement for the midfielder who has in his short time in Brittany become a key component within the midfield.
According to L’Équipe, Rennes will look to explore the option of Stade Brestois’ Pierre Lees-Melou (30). The experienced midfielder has had a standout start to the season for Les Pirates, as his team unexpectedly occupy fourth spot in the league.
It will be a tough task for Rennes to convince their local rivals to sell a key player during the middle of a historically good season for Brest.
