Headline: FC Nantes May Dismiss Coach Michel Der Zakarian in Favor of Antoine Kombouaré
FC Nantes is reportedly contemplating the dismissal of head coach Michel Der Zakarian if Antoine Kombouaré becomes available for a third term at the club, as indicated in a Sunday report from Foot Mercato.
Following their relegation from Ligue 1 in May, Nantes has experienced a shaky start to the Ligue 2 season, losing their first two matches. The team fell to Red Star with a score of 0-1 and suffered a last-minute defeat against Laval, finishing 1-2 after a critical error from Tylel Tati.
Despite ambitions for an immediate return to Ligue 1 by 2027, Nantes currently sits at the bottom of Ligue 2, significantly jeopardizing Der Zakarian’s role. The former Nantes center-back has previously led the club to two promotions in different spells, in 2008 and 2013, but his chances of a third might be fading.
According to Foot Mercato, the club would consider releasing Der Zakarian if Kombouaré, known for winning the 2022 French Cup with Nantes, shows interest in returning. Kombouaré was let go in 2024 after being reappointed in 2024 following a previous dismissal, but he notably turned around Paris FC’s fortunes, helping them avoid relegation before parting ways with the club.
At 62 years old, Kombouaré reportedly aims to take a short break from coaching, but Nantes may soon have to make significant decisions regarding their coaching staff.
FC Nantes are considering the dismissal of head coach Michel Der Zakarian should Antoine Kombouaré be available for a third spell in the dugout, according to a report on Sunday from Foot Mercato. Les Canaris are in disarray after losing their first two games of the Ligue 2 campaign following their relegation from the first tier in May. Nantes were powerless against Red Star (0-1) and conceded defeat in the dying minutes against Laval (2-1) after a blunder from Tylel Tati.
Nantes targeted an immediate return to Ligue 1 in 2027, but they now sit at the bottom of Ligue 2, which considerably weakens Der Zakarian’s position. The former Nantes centre-back previously led Les Canaris to two Ligue 1 promotions, in 2008 and in 2013, in two different spells. But his third one could be cut short.
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Foot Mercato reports that Nantes would part ways with Der Zakarian should there is a possibility for Kombouaré to return for a third spell at La Beaujoire. Kombouaré notably won the 2022 French Cup with his formative side. He was dismissed the following season only for him to return in 2024.
Let go at the end of the 2024-2025 campaign, Kombouaré oversaw a remarkable upturn in form at Paris FC, which he led to safety before PFC parted ways with him to appoint Liam Rosenior. Thr 62-year-old Kombouaré reportedly intends to take a short break from management.
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