Antonetti: "the future is looking good"
16/12/2011
An understrength Rennes slipped out of the Europa League on Thursday night but coach Frédéric Antonetti said important lessons have been learned during the six-match campaign.
UEFA Europa League Group I, Matchday 6
Atlético Madrid 3-1 Stade Rennais FC 
Frédéric Antonetti (entraîneur du Stade Rennais) : "I said before the start of the Europa League that this tournament would serve to toughen us up and that is what has happened. Of course we were let down by our inexperience and we committed some avoidable defensive errors. But sometimes you need to make mistakes to improve. I think the players should take confidence from the campaign, they can perform at this level and they showeed some nice touches. Of course there are some regrets notably the Udinese game and the home match against Atlético but still if we give this side the time to evolve the future is looking good."
Víctor Montaño, (Rennes forward):
The difference between tonight's game and the [1-1 draw] in Rennes was that at home we had the chances to win. We weren't intelligent enough to close the game out and eventually drew which felt more like a defeat. Tonight you could see the difference between the sides. Atletcio were very strong and controlled the ball very well. They can count on great players who knew how to take advantage of our mistakes. In terms of looking at the group overall, we have learned a lot – we are a young team. We showed some good things but the results didn't go our way. We hope to qualify again and do better in the Europa League next year.
Yacine Brahimi, (Rennes midfielder):
We knew it was going to be a difficult game to come here and play against Atlético but we did what we could and we leave with our heads high and an experience that will help us in the future. We are a young team and tonight our motivation was to learn. We'd like to finish the season among the top five sides in France, that's our goal now.
>> Experimental Rennes go down in Spain