Adrien Thomasson surprised by PSG's bold half-time changes

Adrien Thomasson’s surprise has put Luis Enrique’s half-time decisions at the centre of the reaction to Rennes’ draw with Paris Saint-Germain. The Rennes midfielder did not expect Ousmane Dembélé and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia to be withdrawn so early, particularly after Rennes’ strong opening half. He believed the two attackers would remain on the pitch for at least another 15 to 20 minutes.

Rennes held a 2-0 lead at the interval when Enrique replaced both players. Mika Godts came on for Dembélé, while Ferran Torres took Kvaratskhelia’s place. The changes represented a major adjustment after PSG’s difficult first half, but they altered the course of the match. Torres scored twice after the break, allowing PSG to recover and finish the game level at 2-2.

Thomasson ultimately accepted that the decision had worked for Enrique. PSG’s response meant Rennes could not convert its two-goal advantage into a victory, while the Paris side secured a draw despite trailing at half-time. The episode therefore became less a criticism of the substitutions than an acknowledgment that the coach’s gamble produced the desired result. Thomasson, 32, plays in central midfield for Stade Rennais.