Jorge Sampaoli is looking to turn around Rennes' fortunes after a poor start to the season

Paris (AFP) - Former Argentina and Chile boss Jorge Sampaoli’s time in charge of Rennes began with a 1-0 loss at Lille on Sunday, leaving the struggling side just above the Ligue 1 relegation zone.

Kosovo international Edon Zhegrova struck right before half-time as Lille extended their unbeaten run to eight games to stay a point behind third-placed Marseille.

Rennes failed to create any proper chances and slid to a seventh defeat in 12 matches.

Sampaoli, a 2015 Copa America winner with Chile who spent 16 months at Marseille between 2021 and 2022, will hope to lead Rennes away from trouble with games to come against Saint-Etienne, Nantes and Angers before the new year.