Kyogo Furuhashi's new boss insists he can save Rennes from relegation and avoid a nightmare drop for the former Celtic star.
The Japanese international completed his £10 million move to the struggling Ligue 1 club this week and is set to make his debut tomorrow at home against Strasbourg.
However, he got a shock in his first few days at the club after Rennes sacked manager Jorge Sampaoli.
They've replaced him with ex-Newcastle United, Aston Villa and Marseille star Habib Beye, who was previously in charge of Red Star Paris.
And the former Senegalese international is confident he can save Rennes, who are currently in the relegation play-off spot.
He said: "My ambition must be to optimise a squad that already has a huge amount of quality. We've got 15 games ahead of us to avoid trouble and it's an exciting project.
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"The difficulties currently facing Rennes must be transformed into a challenge. I've studied the squad and Ligue 1 carefully and we're ready for it.
"I'm looking forward to meeting the team and getting down to work very quickly.
"My principles are for my team to set the pace and maintain intensity.."
