Season Context

FC Nantes, relegated from Ligue 1 last season and recently relegated to Ligue 2, does not want to double. After two opening matches lost - 0-1 to Red Star (August 8) and 1-2 to Laval (August 14) - the team of Michel Der Zakarian finds itself at the bottom of the table, the only Ligue 2 side with zero points. Pressure mounts as the club, which finished 4th in L2 the previous year, must prove it has the necessary level to compete with a Rodez that finished 5th last season and is accustomed to high-level competition.

Coach’s Response

Der Zakarian said he would not be distracted by social media and would focus on his players: “I have not had the board, I will not go on social media, I take care of my players and what interests me is that we are applied to progress.” He stresses the need for an immediate success to reassure the board and avoid putting the club in a crisis after Ligue 1 seasons where poor results made the FC Nantes bench a slippery place.

Squad and Roster

Nantes has seen a large turnover: seven new arrivals (including Antoine Joujou, not registered for Rodez) and seventeen departures. Among the players remaining are Ignatius Ganago, Johann Lepenant, Louis Leroux, Dehmaine Tabibou, Herba Guirassy, Kelvin Amian, Tylel Tati and Fabien Centonze, all present in L1 last season. The sale of Matthis Abline to Monaco for €30 million left a gap, and although there are inquiries for Tati, Nantes does not plan to accept less than €30 million. Mostafa Mohamed is currently in Turkey.

Der Zakarian will have to play without Ganago, injured in the adductor, and considers using Killian Corredor or the young Guirassy up front. He wants the team to be more realistic in front of goal, more solid behind, and more aggressive in its play to score.

Expected Strategy

The coach emphasizes that they must stay within the progress seen at Laval and work the week ahead by being more realistic in front of goal and more solid behind. He wants the team to be more aggressive and improve its offensive play. The match against Rodez is therefore a crucial turning point for Nantes, which must show it can fight in Ligue 2 and move closer to a promotion contender.