Farid DIAF

Having spent 5 seasons in Division 2 playing for Alès, Farid Diaf signed for Stade Rennais in July 1996. Scouted by the Bretons, this player had a similar profile to Lamouchi, who was at the same club, and who went on to a successful career at AJ Auxerre. Diaf was a midfielder, adept as a defensive or attacking midfielder, and won over the staff of Manager Colleu upon his arrival. Thus, he was given two starts in the 4 Intertoto Cup ties, but failed to convince his boss. He was mostly dropped to the Reserves, and, occasionally, the sub’s bench in the First Team. He was mainly impacted by the competition coming from team-mates Bigné, Dabo, Huard and Lambert in his position. In February 1997, he took advantage of an injury crisis to make what turned out to be his last appearance for Rennes against Caen (He came on in the 3rd minute, and was subbed in the 86th minute). After this failure, diametrically opposed to the success of Lamouchi at the same time, he was transferred to Laval where he played a full season in the Second Division.