Antonetti announces Rennes exit

Frederic Antonetti has confirmed he will leave his post as manager of Rennes at the end of the season.

Antonetti announced the decision on the club’s official website on Tuesday, less than 72 hours after the club’s disappointing loss in the Coupe de la Ligue final.

Rennes were beaten 1-0 by Saint Etienne at the Stade de France on Saturday.

Antonetti was linked with the Montpellier job recently, and the club’s president Louis Nicollin said on Saturday that he was in the running to replace the outgoing Rene Girard.

Despite the Montpellier position being handed to former Nancy coach Jean Fernandez, Antonetti still decided to walk away from Rennes.

“After four wonderful years, my adventure with Stade Rennais FC will end,” Antonetti said.

“I have decided to leave the club, partly due to the disappointment at the difficult end to the season.”

Rennes have failed to win in their last eight league matches, with their last Ligue 1 win coming against Toulouse on February 10.

The club were as high as fourth in the Ligue 1 table during January but their poor run of form has seen them slide to 10th, extinguishing their hopes of UEFA Champions League football.

Antonetti has led Rennes to a sixth-placed finish in the last two seasons but was unable to provide top level European competition for the club.

“Our task now is not to give up but to leave everything on the pitch and finish the season on a high,” Antonetti added.

“I want to wish everyone at Stade Rennais, the players, supporters and members of the club all the best for the future and I hope they achieve the success they deserve.”