Michel Der Zakarian to lead Nantes for the third time

Michel Der Zakarian, a former defender for the Armenian national team, is close to returning to Nantes. The 63-year-old specialist is set to take charge of the French club for the third time in his coaching career.

According to French media, Nantes management is already in advanced negotiations with Der Zakarian. He is expected to become the club’s new head coach following the club’s relegation to Ligue 2.

Der Zakarian knows Nantes well. He has previously worked with the club twice, in the 2007/08 season, and then from 2012 to 2016. It was under his leadership that the “Canaries” returned to the top flight of French football twice. In 2008 he led the club back to Ligue 1, and repeated that success in 2013. Der Zakarian’s most recent club was Caen, where his stint in 2025 proved less than successful. However, Nantes are counting on his experience and knowledge of the club to once again make him the man capable of returning the team to its former level.