Republic of the Congo-born goalkeeper Brice Samba played a key role as Rennes secured a 1-0 victory over Marseille at Roazhon Park on Friday night.
Samba kept a clean sheet in his 180th Ligue 1 appearance as Rennes claimed an important win and extended their strong start to the season.
The 32-year-old, who holds both Congolese and French nationalities and represents France internationally, was pleased with his side’s defensive display after the match.
Speaking to Ligue 1+, the Rennes goalkeeper stressed the importance of shutting out Marseille after his team had previously conceded goals as a result of mistakes.
“It’s good, we wanted a clean sheet. We were conceding goals due to mistakes. What’s important is to be top tonight,” explained Samba.
The victory puts Rennes in a positive position as they look to pursue their ambitions this season, although Samba believes the team must maintain its level of effort if they are to achieve their targets.
“We have ambitions, but to be able to achieve them, we have to work our butts off,” he added.
Samba’s contribution was particularly important against a Marseille side he believes remains a quality opponent despite the criticism he had heard before the match.
“OM is a very good team despite what I heard before the match,” said the Rennes goalkeeper.
The Rennes goalkeeper had overheard critical comments about Marseille before kick-off, including suggestions that the visitors were not a good team.
“I heard things before the match, like Marseille isn’t a good team.”
Samba’s response came on the pitch as he helped Rennes prevent Marseille from finding the net.
The result was Marseille’s third consecutive defeat, with the visitors unable to trouble Samba after the interval.
Marseille’s difficult start to the campaign has left them with only three points from their opening four matches, making their early-season position particularly concerning.
For Rennes, meanwhile, the victory provides another boost as the club looks to build on its promising opening to the season.
Samba’s clean sheet was central to that success, particularly after the goalkeeper highlighted the defensive mistakes that had previously contributed to goals being conceded.
