‘We’re idiots’ – Benjamin Bourigeaud lambasts Rennes’ collapse

It wasn’t only the manner of the defeat, but the ramifications of it and the identity of the opponent. It was a horror show for Stade Rennais as they collapsed to a 5-4 defeat to Breton rivals Stade Brestois in a result that does near-fatal harm to the club’s hopes of European football for next season. 

From 2-0 up, Rennes found themselves 4-2 down. There was a comeback with Arthur Theate and Martin Terrier scoring to restore parity in the 79th minute, however, Les Rennais could not hold on. Lilian Brassier landed the killer blow in the sixth minute of stoppage time to secure Brest’s qualification for European competition next season. 

Rennes’ European dreams were left in tatters. Qualification for next season’s UEFA Champions League is now mathematically impossible but qualification for any form of European football now looks an uphill task. RC Lens, who currently occupy the final European qualification spot, are four points ahead with just three games remaining. It isn’t unfeasible that they catch Les Sang et Or, especially since they will still play Franck Haise’s side before the end of the season, but it is an uphill task at the very least. 

Post-match, Benjamin Bourigeaud, who started the season as club captain, was damming in his analysis. “I’m not going to mince my words. We come out of that frustrated, gutted. It is unacceptable to concede five goals at home. We did too many stupid things to expect any better. Quite simply, we’re idiots,” said the Frenchman. 

He added, “In a derby, you have to show values. We lacked that determination not to concede. We did a lot of work and scored four goals but you have to score six to win the match […] the season isn’t over but today we missed out and we can only blame ourselves.”