Nantes seek winter reinforcements after 4-1 Angers defeat | OneFootball

A 4-1 defeat at Angers in Ahmed Kantari’s first match laid bare Nantes’ urgent need to reinforce in January. According to L'Équipe, the hierarchy accept experienced reinforcements are essential to aid a survival bid.

Kantari arrived on the eve after Luis Castro was sidelined six months into his stint, and a change on the touchline will not solve a side with only two wins this season. The coach flagged a lack of intensity, physical impact and duels, and recognises the squad’s level is short.

AFCON will also deprive them from 21 December to 18 January of Chidozie Awaziem and Mostafa Mohamed. Goalkeeper Anthony Lopes, named captain, said the group needs bodies quickly and that a major window is required.

Recruitment is under way. Deiver Machado has joined from Lens on a two-and-a-half-year deal, while the club are looking at 35-year-old Florian Sotoca and expect Ignatius Ganago back in January from New England Revolution.

At least one addition is targeted per line, with more expected from Francis Coquelin and from Fabien Centonze, a scorer at Angers. Youths will be used in the right conditions, and recalls of Amady Camara and Hyun-seok Hong are likely, otherwise the club risk dropping out of Ligue 1 in May.

Source: L'Équipe