Nantes collapse 2-5 at home to Rodez, Der Zakarian dares board to sack him

FC Nantes have failed to win any of their opening three Ligue 2 matches and inflicted fresh damage on themselves Saturday at La Beaujoire: leading 2-1 at the break, the Canaries collapsed in the second half to lose 2-5 to Rodez, following earlier defeats to Red Star (0-1) and Laval (2-1).

“It’s a huge disappointment, I’m ashamed, especially in the second half — how can you give up, abandon what we did in the first half? We destroyed ourselves,” Michel Der Zakarian said after the match. The coach, who returned to the Nantes bench this summer for a third spell after previous tenures in 2006-2008 and 2012-2016, did not mince his words behind the scenes: “If I get sacked, I’ll retire. If they’re not happy with our work, let them sack me and that’s it. The players need to get their act together too!”

According to information relayed by journalist Sacha Tavolieri, “the breakdown is total” within the club. Several players reportedly complained openly about Der Zakarian’s methods, with nervousness spreading through much of the squad.

Officially, the Nantes board denies seeking a replacement. Frank Kita is reportedly concentrating efforts on emergency recruitment in four positions — centre-back, left-back, winger and striker. Antoine Kombouaré was reportedly approached but declined, still affected by the spring 2025 split. Internally, the profiles of Grégory Poirier, former Red Star coach, and Christophe Pélissier, ex-Auxerre manager, are said to be appreciated.