Season 1961/1962

After finishing 14th in the previous season, Stade Rennais would have to deal with a major change on the eve of the 1961/1962 season, with Henri Guérin being replaced at the head of the club by the returning Antoine Cuissard. On the playing front, some of the first-team regulars; Gaulon, Poulain and Faivre (in September 1961) would leave the club. With a large squad already, there would be few arrivals, aside from those of Goujon and Grosshans. The Red and Blacks got of to a perfect start to the season, suffering just one league defeat in the first ten matchdays, thrusting them into the top 3 of the First Division, where they would remain until matchday 25. Alas, Rennes would go through a rocky patch thereafter, going ten games without a win, seeing them slip down to 11th in the table. Rennes would end the season in a disappointing 12th place, with the 9th-ranked attack, and only 15th-rated defence. A season of contrasts, with the first half of just four defeats, whilst the second saw Rennes earn just three wins. Mahi finished the season as Rennes' top-scorer with 18 goals, 5th in the First Division top-scoring charts. In the French Cup, Rennes failed to shine there either, falling at the first hurdle, eliminated by RC Paris (1-3 defeat).