Rémy Cabella joins Nantes on loan, eyes survival mission | OneFootball

Rémy Cabella was unveiled on Friday ahead of Nantes’s trip to Marseille on Sunday at 15:00. The 35-year-old has joined on a five-month loan from Olympiakos to lift a side sitting 17th. L'Équipe reports the move aims to add craft and experience.

At Jonelière, he settled quickly and said he had been in touch for more than a month with Anthony Lopes, giving his agreement straight away and saying he was keen to come.

Despite only seven league cameos in Greece, he insisted he is at 100% and never missed training. Coach Ahmed Kantari praised his engine and dynamism, saying he can link the team and bring experience for a demanding run-in.

He could play as a No 10 in a 4-2-3-1, or as an inside winger in a 3-4-3. Cabella said swapping the Athens sun for this fight motivated him, stressing the need to lead by example, embrace pressure and double efforts over five months.

He considered Nantes twice, once after a call from Claudio Ranieri when at Marseille, then after Russia when Lille and Nantes showed interest. He recalled childhood admiration, including an Olivier Monterrubio shirt, but said survival is now the sole focus.

For Marseille, Kantari has an almost full group. Awaziem and Mostafa Mohamed are at the Africa Cup of Nations, Leroux and Guirassy return, Ganago is back but being assessed, Coquelin is a doubt and Cabella is eligible. He said Nantes must defend compactly, carry a threat and treat it as a points race.

Source: L'Équipe