Édouard CISSÉ

In July 1998, Edouard Cissé signed for Rennes on loan from Paris Saint Germain. Le Guen, who was the new Manager, had been a team-mate of Cissé the previous season, and saw his profile as ideal for strengthening the Rennes midfield, and establish a link between attack and defence. It was to turn out to be a good choice, as “Doudou” Cissé managed to see off the competition from Huard and Viaud in a 4-man midfield, where he worked in tandem with Bigné, Grégoire and Le Roux. Sometimes played in the centre, sometimes on the left, he scored two goals in the league, against Nancy and Sochaux, and also found the back of the net against Troyes in the League Cup. At just 20 years old, the number 26 became first choice until the end of the season which was capped with a 5th place finish in the league. His performances didn’t go unnoticed as he was picked to play for the U21s, and Paris had confidence with him when he returned there from his loan spell.