The decision, anticipated for several days, is now official. Stade Rennais announced on Monday the end of its collaboration with Habib Bèye. Despite sitting in sixth place in Ligue 1, which still held European ambitions, a series of internal and sporting tensions gradually led to this outcome.
The coach’s situation weakened progressively after a string of poor performances. The fourth consecutive defeat, suffered against Lens on matchday 21 (3-1), marked a turning point. Even though the ranking still aligned with initial goals, the Rennes management felt that the momentum showed no signs of a quick turnaround. The decision was finalized after a meeting between the club’s leaders and Habib Bèye, during which he and his staff were informed of their dismissal.
Beyond the results, the internal atmosphere also weighed heavily. Disagreements reportedly surfaced within the locker room, fueled by conflicting information. Certain incidents, particularly after the elimination in the Coupe de France against Marseille (3-0), may have heightened tensions. The management of the group, both human and disciplinary, raised questions, with decisions—like sidelining certain key players or imposing harsh sanctions—deepening the rift between the coach and part of the squad, even as the team remained competitive in the standings.
The leaders also assessed recent performances on the pitch. After an encouraging period between November and early January, Rennes showed a less intense and more predictable face, reigniting doubts about the coach’s tactical adaptability. However, Habib Bèye’s tenure is still associated with a clear rise in the standings, as the club moved from 16th to 6th place since his arrival. But the accumulation of internal tensions and the erosion of sporting momentum ultimately weighed more heavily in the balance.
