Antonetti airs Fanni frustration

Fanni: Expected to move on

Rennes coach Frederic Antonetti is growing tired of the ongoing 'soap opera' surrounding Rod Fanni's future.

The defender continues to be linked with an imminent move to either Marseille or Liverpool, with the reigning Ligue 1 champions believed to be the favourites to land his signature.

Rennes are already resigned to losing the versatile 29-year-old and are disappointed that an agreement has not been put in place.

Antonetti would prefer for the issue to be settled one way or the other as quickly as possible, allowing him to look to the future either with or without Fanni.

"The soap opera continues," he said.

"As a coach, it's never nice to have a player with 'We've got him, we haven't got him, we've got him, we haven't got him'."

While frustrated himself, Antonetti acknowledges that the uncertainty must be playing havoc with Fanni's state of mind.

Unsettling

The France international came close to joining Atletico Madrid over the summer, so is aware of what transfer sagas entail, but has never been the subject of such intense speculation for so long.

Antonetti added: "It's very unsettling. But I adapt. Rod told me that he wasn't at all in the same situation in August.

"But I think he must be unsettled, like any man who has to take a decision that will change his life.

"There are promises that have been made and if you want to be credible, you have to respect what you say.

"From a sporting and financial perspective, we could tell Rod: 'Stay here'. But psychologically, it wouldn't be right."

Marseille boss Didier Deschamps claimed in the week that he was 'optimistic' regarding Fanni's arrival, but cannot rest on his laurels until the necessary paperwork is completed.