Vahid Halilhodzic takes first FC Nantes session after return | OneFootball

Vahid Halilhodzic led his first FC Nantes training session on Wednesday morning, a day after being appointed. The 73-year-old returned to the club he once starred for.

According to L'Équipe, he travelled to Loire-Atlantique on Tuesday with deputy chief executive Franck Kita, stopping at the training centre at la Jonelière.

A comeback was far from assured, as the Franco-Bosnian was initially reluctant and even turned the approach down. He was ultimately convinced he could revive the eight-time French champions, who sit 17th in Ligue 1, and avoid a third relegation after 2007 and 2009.

He arrived with assistant Patrick Collot, who has also worked at the club, which may not be a positive sign for Éric Blahic, Ahmed Kantari’s assistant. A work meeting took place on Tuesday evening and is said to have stretched.

On Wednesday, Halilhodzic was on the grass, opening with a group run. Earlier he addressed all squads from the video room for a little over half an hour, outlining why he had come and stressing work.

Thursday will feature a double session. His first match in charge is scheduled for 22 March, when Strasbourg visit.

Source: L'Équipe