Michel Der Zakarian has been reappointed as manager of FC Nantes, the club confirmed on Tuesday. The 61-year-old has signed a two-year contract with Les Canaris, marking his third spell in charge of the Ligue 1 side. He previously managed Nantes during the 2007-2008 season and then for a further four years between 2012 and 2016.
Der Zakarian’s return comes after a disappointing season for Nantes, who will be aiming to climb the Ligue 1 table. The club has struggled for consistency in recent years, and the appointment of a familiar face is intended to provide stability and a clear direction. Der Zakarian himself has a strong connection to the club, having also played for Nantes during his career.
Alongside Der Zakarian, David Bechkoura and Vitorino Hilton will serve as his assistants. Hilton, a former defender for Montpellier, will join the coaching staff after a previously aborted transfer to Sète in 2022 led to his retirement at the age of 44. The appointment reunites Hilton with his former coach, offering a nostalgic element to the new setup.
The move is seen as a gamble by Nantes ownership, given the club’s recent instability and the pressure to improve results. There have been reports suggesting potential changes in ownership at Nantes, but the managerial appointment suggests a focus on immediate performance. The club are hoping Der Zakarian can recapture the form he showed during his previous spells, where he established Nantes as a solid Ligue 1 outfit. This appointment could be a key step in stabilizing the club and setting a foundation for future success.
