FC Nantes face dressing-room rupture after Rodez loss

FC Nantes are facing a serious internal crisis after players reportedly turned against Michel Der Zakarian’s methods. Nervousness has spread through much of the squad, with several members openly voicing their dissatisfaction. The rupture leaves the coach under growing pressure only weeks after returning for a third spell at the club.

Nantes lost 5-2 at home to Rodez on Saturday in the third round of Ligue 2, despite leading 2-1 at half-time. The result followed defeats by Red Star, 1-0, and Laval, 2-1, leaving the Canaries without a win from their opening three matches. Their second-half collapse intensified concerns over both results and team unity.

Der Zakarian expressed deep disappointment after the match and accepted responsibility for the performance, particularly after the interval. He said the team had thrown away the work completed in the first half and had damaged itself. The coach also made clear that he would accept dismissal and suggested he could retire if Nantes ended his tenure, while demanding a stronger response from the players.

The club’s management officially denies looking for another coach. Frank Kita is instead prioritising four emergency additions: a central defender, a left-sided wing-back, a winger and a centre-forward. Antoine Kombouaré was reportedly contacted but rejected the proposal after his break with Nantes in spring 2025. Grégory Poirier and Christophe Pélissier are among the coaching profiles valued internally.