Stade Rennais manager Franck Haise has lavished praise on winter signing Sebastian Szymański, describing the Polish international as one of the most impressive players he has ever coached. The comments came after Szymański came off the bench to help Rennes secure a 3-1 victory over FC Nantes at Roazhon Park on Sunday, a result that moved Haise's side up to eighth in Ligue 1.
Haise, who took over at Rennes in November, did not hold back in his admiration for the 24-year-old attacking midfielder. "You saw his entry into the match? That says it all," Haise stated post-match. "The player is top-level and the man is at the same level. At the end of my career, he will be one of those I was lucky to coach, even if it has only been two months. He breathes intelligence, a taste for the collective, selflessness, and finesse." Szymański joined Rennes on a permanent deal from Feyenoord during the January transfer window, with the French club reportedly paying an initial fee of around €20 million, which could rise with add-ons.
The move followed a successful loan spell at Feyenoord last season, where Szymański was a key part of the team that won the Eredivisie title, contributing nine goals and seven assists. His versatility, capable of playing across the midfield and in advanced roles, made him a prime target for Rennes as they sought to add creativity and goal threat following the summer departure of Lovro Majer. For the player, the transfer represents a step into one of Europe's top five leagues and a chance to establish himself as a central figure in a project under the highly-regarded Haise.
Despite his impact as a substitute, Szymański has found consistent starts hard to come by in recent weeks, with Haise opting for a midfield trio of Benjamin Bourigeaud, Baptiste Santamaria, and the now-fit-again Nemanja Matić. His recent appearance against Strasbourg was his first start since late February, capitalizing on an injury to Valentin Rongier. This competition for places underscores the depth Haise is building as Rennes push for European qualification, having now taken 22 points from the nine matches he has overseen.
The immediate focus for Rennes is a trip to face Olympique Lyonnais next Sunday, where Szymański will hope to force his way back into the starting lineup. His seamless adaptation and immediate impact from the bench have provided a significant boost to Rennes' late-season push, offering Haise a potent and intelligent weapon as the campaign reaches its climax. The manager's glowing endorsement suggests Szymański will be integral to the club's plans not just for the remainder of this season, but for the foreseeable future.
