Former France international Jerome Rothen is baffled by reports suggesting Rennes manager Bruno Genesio could replace Antonio Conte at Premier League giants Tottenham Hotspur, speaking to RMC Sport.
If you asked Spurs supporters which Ligue 1 coach they would welcome with open arms at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, it’s unlikely that Genesio would be the first name that comes to mind.
But while Rennes may be 13 points behind Mauricio Pochettino’s Paris Saint-Germain in the Ligue 1 table, only one of the two aforementioned tacticians has enhanced his reputation in 2021/22. And it’s not the man who took Tottenham to within touching distance of European glory.
According to RMC, the London giants are big admirers of 55-year-old Genesio. As are a number of other Premier League clubs, plus Real Sociedad and Middle Eastern outfit Al-Hilal.
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And there’s a very good reason for that.
Rennes are perhaps the greatest ‘footballing’ side in France right now. They’ve scored 63 goals – more even than a PSG side containing a galaxy of attacking superstars – and outplayed Spurs for long spells during a 2-2 UEFA Conference League draw in September.
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Nonetheless, Rothen believes there is one big reason why Daniel Levy will not be turning to Genesio, even if Conte does depart the post after less than one full season at the helm.
It has nothing to do with Genesio’s ability, and all to do with his reputation.
“Tottenham are coached by Conte. Before, it was Mourinho. With all due respect to Genesio, I don’t think they’d be ready to appoint him,” says the former PSG midfielder.
“I’m sceptical when I hear (links with big clubs). You have to call a spade, a spade. Tottenham are coached by Antonio Conte, before by Jose Mourinho.
“With all the respect I have for Bruno Genesio, they are coaches who have a real track record. They have shown that they have a thirst for winning.
“In England, with the respect they have for French football, I don’t think they are ready to put Bruno Genesio at the helm of this club.”
Genesio, in his first ever managerial role, guided Lyon to a famous 2-1 away win over Manchester City in the Champions League group-stages, with Pep Guardiola hailing his ‘amazing’ work at the helm of Les Gones.
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