Arnaud Nordin, 27, currently on loan from Mainz, has become a pivotal player for a revitalized Stade Rennais squad. Under the guidance of new manager Franck Haise, the team is eager to reclaim a spot in European competition. Get French Football News had the opportunity to speak with the former AS Saint-Étienne and Montpellier HSC winger about his adjustment to life at Roazhon Park, the club’s promising progress, the challenges faced by his previous teams, and his aspirations moving forward.
Your arrival at Rennes coincided with a challenging time for the team, with manager Habib Beye under pressure and subsequently replaced by Franck Haise. How has your integration fared in such circumstances, and how do you reflect on your initial weeks here?
I managed quite well. I received a warm welcome from everyone, including the coaching staff, medical team, and even the stewards and kitchen staff. Additionally, I was fortunate to already know several players, which certainly eased my transition. I’ve taken the time to observe how the club operates, and gradually, I have gained confidence and feel comfortable here.
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Which players were you already familiar with at Rennes?
I played alongside Moussa Al-Taamari at Montpellier HSC, and I came up through the ranks with Mahdi Camara at AS Saint-Étienne. Esteban Lepaul and I have mutual friends, so we’ve interacted before, and I’ve also known Alidu Seidu a bit.
Your connection with Lepaul appears to extend onto the pitch…
Absolutely! We share a special bond because he welcomed me warmly upon my arrival. We already had that ‘chemistry’, and he is an exceptional player when it comes to making runs behind defenses. Collaborating with players like him simplifies things for us, and we aim to support him in scoring.
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Do you think he deserves a shot at representing France?
I’m not Didier Deschamps, but I believe that Este is a forward who has consistently found the net, so it seems to me that he’s already on Deschamps’ radar (laughs). We will see if he gets called up, but I wouldn’t be surprised if Deschamps is aware of him. Scoring 14 goals in Ligue 1 certainly puts you in the spotlight, and I think the national team coach is likely aware of his talent, which is what matters most for now.
Since your arrival, there’s been a managerial change, Beye has been replaced by Haise. What is your impression of working with the latter?
On a personal level, he communicates effectively with me and provides valuable advice. He doesn’t deliver lengthy speeches, but he emphasizes important details that help create a positive atmosphere, allowing the team to perform well on the pitch. Despite our recent loss to Lille OSC, I believe we’ve played well in the last few matches. His contributions are felt both on and off the field.
Photo credit: Luke Entwistle
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Does having the backing of a manager like him boost your confidence?
Definitely! I’m always striving to contribute to the team. The manager has given me starting opportunities in the last five matches, and as a player, you naturally want to honor that trust by performing to the best of your abilities.
Did you feel you needed that after your somewhat inconsistent experience at Mainz?
My goal is to make a meaningful contribution. Feeling valued doesn’t solely come from being in the starting lineup; even coming off the bench can be significant. It’s essential for players to feel embraced by their teammates and the entire club. When you experience that support, you can truly excel on the pitch. The training methodology in Germany is distinct; the Bundesliga is renowned for its intensity, where players endure a lot of physicality during practices. It was a new experience for me. Fouls are less frequently called, encouraging players to rise after challenges and engage in defense. Training at Rennes is somewhat similar, as the manager doesn’t always blow the whistle either, which means you have to get back up and defend. Despite the challenges, my time in Germany enriched my experience in one of Europe’s top leagues.
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You mentioned the similarities between France and Germany. Was returning to Ligue 1 a priority for you in the winter transfer window?
Absolutely, it was a perfect match. Rennes is an ambitious club aimed at competing in Europe, which aligns with my aspirations. The facilities, infrastructure, and the surrounding community reflect that ambition.
“To feel loved naturally motivates you to stay at a club like this and fight for its colors” – Nordin on the prospect of extending his loan at Rennes.
I truly believe it would benefit the club to qualify for Europe next season. Everyone dreams of showcasing their talent in the UEFA Champions League and similar competitions. Right now, our focus is on securing a place in European football, and we see where we land at the end of the season.
On the topic of Ligue 1, you won’t be facing your former club, Montpellier. Are you troubled by their current struggles?
It’s disheartening to see, especially since I formed strong connections there. Witnessing a club in such a challenging phase is tough. I’ve been keeping an eye on them in Ligue 2, and I genuinely hope they could at least reach the playoffs to re-earn their place in Ligue 1.
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And what about your old club, Saint-Étienne?
It’s painful for them too! This showcases the fierce competitiveness of Ligue 1. Other clubs like Girondins de Bordeaux face similar issues, which is unfortunate. I really hope these historic teams can return to Ligue 1 soon, particularly ASSE for next season.
Are you also keen to stay with Rennes to potentially face them next year? Your loan from Mainz includes a purchase option…
Definitely! I feel incredibly at home here. I’ve been welcomed in ways I couldn’t have imagined. When you feel appreciated, you naturally want to remain at such a club and compete for its colors. There’s a genuine sense of family here. Furthermore, the club has always had lofty ambitions. The management team has invested significantly, and it’s vital to honor that commitment on the field.
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From an external perspective, it appears that Rennes is once again on the rise following some challenging seasons. Do you sense that internally as well, and do you believe this could lead to a strong finish to the season?
We certainly hope so! We’re putting in hard work every day to ensure that. The final stretch consists of eight matches—each feels like a final. We will take stock after our match against Olympique de Marseille, which will be the last one of Rennes’ season!