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Rennes manager Frederic Antonetti sees no reason why his 'serious' new club cannot challenge for the Ligue 1 title.

Antonetti (pictured), 47, joined from Nice after Guy Lacombe was appointed Monaco manager and is convinced that he can move Rennes into the top three.

"This is a club who, for five years, finished between fourth and seventh in the league so we are already at a good level," he was quoted as saying by AFP.

"Also, we have a good squad of players with a lot of youngsters coming through.

"If I had to use one word to describe Rennes, it would be 'serious' and I was looking for a serious club."

Nice finished a creditable ninth this season, but Antonetti feels he has earned the right to guide a bigger club to more impressive finishes.

"Until now I have always been at clubs who, if we split the table into three sections, have been lower-mid table," he added.

"I was looking for a club that had the capacity to move towards something a little more important.

"We have not yet talked about objectives, but we are expecting that - within the next five years - Rennes are a top-three side, playing in the Champions League or with a cup win.

"I came here to move us on to the next level and I hope I can do this - for myself and for Rennes."

Eurosport