Speaking ahead of Stade Rennais’ UEFA Europa League tie against Villarreal, forward Amine Gouiri (23) has admitted to underperforming so far this season.
Gouiri joined Rennes from OGC Nice in the summer of 2022 for a fee just shy of €30m. His first season was largely successful. The former France U21 international scored 18 goals and registered six assists in his debut season at Roazhon Park, however, in eight games in all competitions so far this season, he has just one assist to his name.
The Olympique Lyonnais academy product isn’t hiding from his underperformance. “I have had a season below what I’m capable of. I’m aware of it. It’s up to me to raise my level. I know what I’m capable of,” said Gouiri in a pre-match press conference, transcribed by L’Équipe.
The spectre of a difficult choice
Last month, Gouiri announced a switch of allegiance. After making 31 appearances for the France U21 side, he officially announced that he would henceforth be representing Algeria. This difficult decision may have been tying him down in the opening matchdays of this season. “I can’t look for excuses. But this announcement has freed me. It was the right thing to do. I can move forward calmly and concentrate on Stade Rennais, said Gouiri.
GFFN | Luke Entwistle
