Der Zakarian sacked after three matches, the Kitas break their own record

Michel Der Zakarian is no longer FC Nantes manager. According to Ouest-France and L’Équipe, the Ligue 2 club ended his tenure on Monday, following a heavy home defeat to Rodez (2-5) that left the Canaries bottom of the table.

The Franco-Armenian coach, who returned this summer for a third spell on the banks of the Erdre, managed just three matches: a defeat to Red Star (0-1), a loss at Laval (1-2) and the collapse against Rodez. Sixty-eight days in charge in total — a record for brevity under Waldemar and Franck Kita, the club’s owners renowned for frequent managerial changes. Their previous records belonged to Miguel Cardoso (8 matches, 111 days), Jean-Marc Furlan (9 matches, 79 days) and Ahmed Kantari (10 matches, 90 days). Even Raymond Domenech, whose 2020-2021 spell remains memorable, lasted 8 matches and 46 days.

Der Zakarian’s particularly bitter remarks at Saturday evening’s post-match press conference had already suggested an inevitable outcome. The decision, expected since the final whistle against Rodez, was confirmed early in the week.

His successor is unlikely to be Antoine Kombouaré. According to Ouest-France, the Kanak coach does not wish to take on a position immediately. It is Grégory Poirier, former Red Star manager, who is reportedly in the frame according to L’Équipe.

FC Nantes’ overall record since the start of last season illustrates the scale of the malaise: the club will have fielded five managers for five league victories.