Franck Haise supports Estéban Lepaul after a difficult start with the Blues
In the press room of Stade Rennais, Franck Haise spoke up to defend Estéban Lepaul, freshly returned from the Bleus squad after his international debut. The coach highlighted the youngster's composure, even though he did not find the back of the net.
Return to Rennes and first call-up
Estéban Lepaul returned to Stade Rennais after having lived his first experience with the France national team during the international break. This return coincided with his status as Ligue 1 top scorer last season. Lepaul, twenty‑six years old, was therefore able to regain his bearings in Rennes.
He came on against Turkey, was then in the starting lineup against Belgium, and later began on the bench against Italy. Despite the lack of a goal, his appearances highlighted difficulties against the very high international level. He did not score, but showed lucidity in his positioning and timing, according to the coach.
Coach Zinedine Zidane is keeping an eye on the 26‑year‑old, but Lepaul will need to continue his efforts to hope to stay in the squad. Stade Rennais coach Franck Haise says the player knows what he still has to work on to improve. Zidane, who leads the Bleus, will have to decide whether to keep him for the upcoming matches.
Franck Haise's analysis
On the eve of the match against AJ Auxerre, Haise said: “We first found him very calm and happy, because he played. He knows everything he still has to work on to progress and to continue to make it into the France team.” The coach emphasized the youngster’s lucidity regarding the small details of the game.
Haise recalled that Lepaul kept his place during the 4‑1 victory of the Bleus over Belgium, even after the changes made by Zidane when France were trailing. The coach sees this as an encouraging sign. That win confirmed the team’s ability to bounce back after conceding a goal.
“What is very positive is that in the last match, there were changes when the team was down 1‑0 but the coach did not take him out. He managed to hold his opponents, create false trails and free up spaces, which was useful,” Haise added. Haise believes these qualities offset the fact that the striker does not get many touches against a low block.
At 26, Lepaul now knows that the international level demands rigor and adaptation. His early-season outings with Stade Rennais could already allow him to confirm the progress seen by his coach. He will therefore need to turn these observations into concrete performances to cement his place with the Bleus.