Metz still hope for Olivier Pantaloni, their priority for a Ligue 1 return | OneFootball

Metz will continue talks with Olivier Pantaloni, who remains president Bernard Serin’s first choice as they aim for a swift return to Ligue 1.

Metz host Lorient on Sunday at 21:00 on matchday 33, with the Corsican coach, who will not stay at Lorient, set to face the Grenats. It is a game of limited stakes between two promoted sides with contrasting fortunes. According to Le Républicain Lorrain, contact has been in place for several days.

After relegation to Ligue 2 was confirmed by the 1-2 loss to Monaco, Serin set the target of an immediate promotion, and the club are pushing ambitiously.

While Michel Der Zakarian has also been mentioned in recent days as one idea among others, Pantaloni remains the priority.

The 59-year-old is in demand this summer, including from top-flight clubs, and would represent a major investment for a Ligue 2 side.

He also wants clarity on the resources and players that would be available, and on the make-up of the sporting department, whose future remains under review.

Aware their number one option is ambitious, Metz have been open to numerous agents in recent weeks regarding the succession to Benoît Tavenot, in order to cast the net wide.

Source: L'Équipe