Michel Der Zakarian fired as Nantes set coaching record

Nantes have dismissed Michel Der Zakarian after only three matches, ending his third spell as head coach after 68 days. The decision sets a new record under owners Waldemar and Franck Kita for the shortest managerial tenure at the club.

The move follows Nantes’ 5-2 home defeat by Rodez, which left them bottom of Ligue 2. It was their third straight league loss, after a 1-0 defeat against Red Star and a 2-1 setback at Laval. Der Zakarian had returned to the club during the summer but was unable to lift a team that has made a poor start to the campaign.

His departure is earlier than those of Miguel Cardoso, who managed eight matches across 111 days, Jean-Marc Furlan, who lasted nine matches and 79 days, and Ahmed Kantari, whose spell covered 10 matches and 90 days. Raymond Domenech remains the exception for brevity in calendar time, having left after 46 days, although he led Nantes in eight matches during the 2020-21 season.

Grégory Poirier, formerly of Red Star, is being considered as Der Zakarian’s replacement. Antoine Kombouaré is not expected to return immediately. Since the beginning of last season, Nantes have had five coaches and recorded five league victories, highlighting the club’s continuing instability.