Nantes seek response against Rodez as Der Zakarian faces early pressure | OneFootball

Nantes seek a response against Rodez on Saturday at 14:00, with Michel Der Zakarian already under pressure after a poor Ligue 2 start. Relegated after a bruising Ligue 1 campaign, they host opponents who finished fifth last season.

They opened with a 0-1 defeat to Red Star behind closed doors at La Beaujoire on the eighth of August, then lost 1-2 at Laval on 14 August. L'Équipe notes that scrutiny of Der Zakarian has intensified after those setbacks.

Names of possible successors circulated after the Laval defeat, yet the Kita family had not sounded out alternatives at that stage. On Friday he said he had not spoken to the hierarchy, stays off social media, and is focused on application and progress. A quick win would show buy-in and ease the mood.

A reworked squad, seven arrivals and 17 departures, still needs balance between experience, youth and new faces. Ignatius Ganago, Johann Lepenant and Kelvin Amian remain from last season. After Matthis Abline’s €30m move to Monaco, exits are not being sanctioned, and interest in Tylel Tati sits below a valuation beyond €30m.

Mostafa Mohamed has interest in Türkiye. Ganago is out with an adductor issue, La Beaujoire welcomes fans back but the Tribune Loire stays closed. Der Zakarian could turn to Killian Corredor or young Herba Guirassy up front, and wants more cutting edge and defensive resolve to build on signs from Laval and the week’s work.

Source: L'Équipe

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