BAUP BIDS FAREWELL - 1:05 PM, May. 5, 2006

Departing St Etienne coach Elie Baup will bid farewell to the Geoffroy-Guichard stadium when his side take on Rennes this weekend after announcing his shock departure from the club.

The former Bordeaux boss has been in charge since 2004 but his recent falling out with the St Etienne management prompted Wednesday's decision to throw in the towel at the end of the campaign, leaving most of his players stunned.

"Three weeks ago I did not think that I would leave," said Baup. "I was even planning for next season.

"But I have been a professional coach for 20 years and I've learnt how to read between the lines. I realised I did not share the same values with the club's managers anymore."

Defender Herita Ilunga has expressed his sadness at Baup's departure and urged his team-mates to win maximum points on Saturday as a tribute to their departing boss.

"We feel everything is falling apart now," Ilunga said. "We don't know how we are going to bounce back without him.

"I owe Elie Baup a lot. He helped me boost my career so we will have to offer him a victory over Rennes on Saturday to thank him for all he's done."

On the injury front, Baup will welcome back Zoumana Camara, David Hellebuyck, Vincent Hognon and Sebastien Mazure but midfielder Loic Perrin (knee) is out of contention.

St Etienne face a tough encounter against their Brittany-based rivals, who were disappointed by their mid-week 1-1 draw against Paris St Germain.

Laszlo Boloni's men needed a win to leapfrog Lille in the race for Ligue 1's final Champions League spot.

Kim Kallstrom put his side ahead in the 71st minute but Bonaventure Kalou levelled for PSG in the dying moments.

"This match was full of regrets for us," said Gregory Bourillon. "Now we must bounce back against St Etienne."

Rennes, who are sixth but just one point from third spot will welcome back defender Cyril Jeunechamp (ankle).