FC Nantes to dismiss Michel Der Zakarian to appoint former Red Star head coach Grégory Poirier

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·24 August 2026

FC Nantes to dismiss Michel Der Zakarian to appoint former Red Star head coach Grégory Poirier

FC Nantes head coach Michel Der Zakarian only lasted three competitive games this season before his dismissal, which is set to be made official in the next hours, according to L’Equipe. Der Zakarian’s third spell as Nantes head coach has been cut short after only 68 days. The wheels have already come off Nantes’ season on the back of their relegation from Ligue 1 to Ligue 2. Les Canaris are bottom of the second-tier after three consecutive losses against Red Star (0-1), Laval (1-2) and Rodez (2-5).

Der Zakarian had strong words on Saturday following Nantes’ latest debacle against Rodez. The 63-year-old head coach is expected to be replaced by Grégory Poirier. The former midfielder was a free agent after leaving Red Star upon the expiry of his two-year contract.