Boulaye Dia discusses return to Ligue 1 with Stade Rennais

Stade Rennais striker Boulaye Dia has commented on his return to French football following five years playing in Spain and Italy. The Senegalese international, who previously played for Reims, Villarreal, Salernitana, and Lazio, expressed satisfaction with his reintegration into the league where he grew up.

Dia noted an improvement in the quality of Ligue 1 during his absence, stating that the teams have become better. He also compared the training methodologies of different European leagues, observing that while Spanish football focuses heavily on possession and ball work, and Italian football emphasizes physical strength, the French league offers a blend of both technical ball work and significant athletic conditioning.

Regarding his role under coach Franck Haise, Dia discussed adapting to new tactical systems, citing a recent performance against Juventus as a positive example of playing between lines to create space. He also addressed the competition for positions within the squad, viewing his rivalry with teammate Esteban Lepaul as a positive driver for mutual progression.