Michel Der Zakarian expected to return to Nantes despite past tensions with Waldemar Kita | OneFootball

Michel Der Zakarian is expected to rejoin Nantes, relegated to Ligue 2, for a third spell. According to L'Équipe, the 63-year-old is close to an agreement, barring a late twist.

Pre-season starts on 24 June, with Der Zakarian likely to lead it if the deal is finalised. He would replace Vahid Halilhodzic, drafted in March, who could not keep Nantes in Ligue 1 last month.

Der Zakarian has already had two stints at Nantes, totalling 234 matches in the Kita era. In post when Kita bought the club in 2007, he won promotion in 2008, then was dismissed after only three games the next season.

He returned in 2012 in Ligue 2, earned promotion in 2013, then left in 2016. Relations were strained that spring, and loud music at La Beaujoire stopped him addressing supporters after his final home match.

In 2017, Kita compared Claudio Ranieri to a Mercedes and Der Zakarian far less favourably on TV. After Montpellier beat Nantes 2-1 on 23 May 2021, sending them into the play-offs, Der Zakarian is said to have told Kita he was pleased for him, not for Nantes.

Nantes have spent a month seeking an experienced coach, considering options including Olivier Pantaloni and Christophe Pelissier. Some were unwilling to drop into Ligue 2, which has not deterred Der Zakarian, who could relaunch after a brief Caen spell.

Source: L'Équipe