Nantes appoint Grégory Poirier after Der Zakarian exit

Nantes have replaced Michel Der Zakarian with Grégory Poirier after three matches of their Ligue 2 campaign. The coaching change ends Der Zakarian’s third spell at the club and comes during a difficult start for the Canaries in France’s second tier.

Nantes sit last in the standings with no points, having lost all three of their opening fixtures. Their latest setback came at home against Rodez, who won 5-2 in the club’s first home match of the season. The result added to the pressure surrounding the team and prompted the club to end its cooperation with Der Zakarian, 63.

Poirier, 44, has signed a two-season contract with Nantes. He takes charge two months after his time at Red Star ended, having joined that club in June 2024. His previous coaching experience also includes spells with US Marseille Endoume Catalans and Martigues.

The new manager’s first task will be to halt Nantes’ losing run and move the team away from the bottom of the Ligue 2 table. He inherits a side that has yet to collect a point after three rounds and has conceded five goals in its latest match. For Der Zakarian, the decision brings his latest Nantes tenure to a close after only the opening fixtures of the campaign.