Nantes fans drift between fatalism and fatigue before Auxerre test in survival fight | OneFootball

According to L'Équipe, Nantes head to Auxerre on Saturday at 19:00 needing a result to keep play-off hopes alive, yet the city feels resigned as the 17th-placed eight-time French champions stare at Ligue 2.

Last Sunday's fortunate 0-0 at Metz reinforced the slide, and Nantes still have only four wins in 27 matches. Without three points at the Abbé-Deschamps, hope of a Ligue 1-Ligue 2 play-off would probably evaporate.

At Talensac market, supporters speak of fatalism, some saying they feel they are wasting time and that dropping to Ligue 2 might help a rebuild, and questioning the Kitas' stewardship. Others recall the play-off escape against Toulouse in 2021 and the early-season switch from Luis Castro to Ahmed Kantari, lamenting a lack of fight.

Coach Vahid Halilhodzic, jaded after the 2-3 defeat by Strasbourg on 22 March and that draw at Metz, still talks of an upset if his side become tougher and more disciplined. He says Auxerre will hinge on physical and mental commitment, with some quality to call on.

Nantes won the reverse fixture 1-0 on 30 August. A 23-man group travelled on Friday from Saint-Nazaire, without suspended 18-year-old centre-back Tylel Tati and with attacking midfielder Dehmaine Tabibou back. Whether Halilhodzic turns to Rémy Cabella, Mostafa Mohamed or Youssef el-Arabi remains to be seen.

They know they must start better than at Metz, keep eleven on, take calculated risks and find a sharper Matthis Abline.

Source: L'Équipe