Rough opening
FC Nantes, led by Michel Der Zakarian, is looking to launch its Ligue 2 campaign after two opening defeats (0-1 to Red Star on 8 August and 1-2 to Laval on 14 August). The club sold Matthis Abline to Monaco for €30 million. These results left the team in 4th place in Ligue 2 last season, after being relegated from National in May.
Squad management
Der Zakarian must deal with a reconfigured squad for Ligue 2. Seven players have arrived (the latest recruit, Antoine Joujou, is not registered for Rodez) and seventeen have departed. Among those who remain are Ignatius Ganago, Johann Lepenant, Louis Leroux, Dehmaine Tabibou, Herba Guirassy, Kelvin Amian, Tylel Tati and Fabien Centonze, all of whom played in Ligue 1 last season. No transfer out has been signed after the sale of Matthis Abline.
Der Zakarian said he is not interested in social media and is focusing 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 also stressed that players must stay focused despite external solicitations.
Match against Rodez
The match against Rodez, scheduled for Saturday afternoon at the Beaujoire, is seen as crucial. Der Zakarian will have to play without his striker Ganago, injured in the adductor, and without the closed Tribune Loire. He could therefore use Killian Corredor or the young Herba Guirassy up front. He expects offensive progress and greater aggression in play.
Mostafa Mohamed has touches in Turkey, but he remains at FC Nantes. Der Zakarian expressed his desire to improve the team further: “We need to improve the team even more.” The club expects a success that shows its players adhere to his ideas and that the board will not be put in difficulty.
