Nantes face Metz test as potential Ligue two relegation threatens finances | OneFootball

In a precarious position, Nantes need a win at Metz on Sunday at 17:15 to avoid edging closer to a drop into Ligue two that would drain revenues, even if the wage bill would shrink.

On his return to the dugout, Vahid Halilhodzic endured a sleepless night after the 2-3 defeat to Strasbourg before the break, when Joaquin Panichelli turned the game late. L'Équipe notes that the 17th-placed Canaries now look to Metz, then Auxerre next weekend, before a tougher run-in featuring PSG, Rennes, OM and Lens.

Halilhodzic has been trying to strip out negativity and inject communication, tempo and bite. Full-back Fabien Centonze said he does not want to be associated with relegation.

Television money is already low, estimated around 3-4 M€ this season given the league position, and would fall again in Ligue two, although a 5.25 M€ relegation aid is to be shared. Matchday income would also suffer.

In 2009, average crowds at La Beaujoire dropped from 24,000 to 15,000 and matchday revenue was divided by 3.7. Sponsorship also fell by 45% that year. Main partner Synergie would stay, but on reduced terms.

There would be no redundancy plan in view, nor any planned impact on the academy, while first-team wages would be compressed. Ten players are out of contract or loan in June, namely Lopes, Carlgren, Sylla, Cozza, Guilbert, Coquelin, Kaba, Cabella, Camara and El-Arabi. Others could see collective or individual cuts of 20%, with some contracts already stipulating Ligue two salaries, even divided by five in certain cases.

Relegation would bring uncertainty and weaken the club, yet sales could cushion the blow, with Tylel Tati and Matthis Abline viewed as strong market assets.

Source: L'Équipe