Grégory Poirier named new Nantes head coach on deal to 2028 | OneFootball

Nantes have appointed Grégory Poirier as head coach on a deal to 2028, the club said in a statement, adding that he is valued for his knowledge of the division, that he led his first session on Tuesday afternoon and that his backroom team will be confirmed soon. He replaces Michel Der Zakarian after three Ligue 2 defeats.

Der Zakarian was appointed on 17 June for a third spell, targeting an immediate return to Ligue 1. The 63-year-old previously led Nantes in 2007-2008 and from 2012 to 2016.

This season began with a 0-1 home loss to Red Star, a 1-2 defeat at Laval and a 2-5 reverse to Rodez. The run left Nantes bottom and the heavy home loss proved the final straw for the hierarchy.

The Kita family turned to Poirier, 44, to lift a side at the foot of Ligue 2. The former midfielder retired at 30 and started coaching in 2016 at AC Arles in Régional 2.

He made his name with Martigues, winning promotion to National then to Ligue 2. After three seasons, he led Red Star from 2024 to 2026, finishing 15th then reaching the promotion play-offs.

Poirier had been out of contract since leaving Red Star.

Source: L'Équipe

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