I think the literature stating "rear" is before 7.1 when it was common to refer the surround speakers as rears. After 7.1 came what WAS known as rears became the "sides", and the rear surrounds are referred to as such.
I would place those speakers to the sides of the couch, with the tweeters aimed at the listening position(seat).
If they must be at the rear of the room, or behind the LP, then aim them at the front of the room.