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Goal.com, Switzerland
06/07/2008 08:15
Der Zakarian Offers Nantes Progress Report
Nantes head coach Mikel Der Zakarian has told l'Equipe that he is
upbeat about les Canaris' chances in Ligue 1 next season however
survival remains the priority of the newly promoted club.
Twelve months ago Nantes were contemplating life in Ligue 2 after
relegation from the top flight. Their supporters had dissented,
invading the pitch in the final home match of the season - a 0-0 draw
with Toulouse - as relegation became a grim reality.
Der Zakarian had briefly taken co-charge of the side that term, taking
over from Georges Eo in the closing weeks as Nantes' challenge was
dying. Along with Japhet N'Doram, the Franco-Armenian coach threatened
to breathe new life in the struggling side but ultimately
resuscitation would have to wait a further season.
The 45 year-old knows that his rescue job will not be completed until
Nantes secure their spot in Ligue 1.
In an interview today with l'Equipe, der Zakarian revealed that the
club's ambition this season would simply be to survive.
`We start like all the other teams, even if our status as a promoted
side obliges us to remain humble,' states der Zakarian to l'Equipe
with understated optimism, `Ligue 1 is a very different competition
and will be much more difficult than the one we played last year.'
`Our ambition is simply to play well, particularly for the supporters
who place a great deal of faith in us. They informed me of their
desire to see us as a powerful force while playing nice football. That
is also my objective, although I have to remain realistic.'
`To play neatly does not interest me. Only the victory counts.'
In order to achieve enough triumphs to secure safety the Nantes boss
believes he needs another three players, one man in each outfield
sector. `The idea, it is to reinforce the backbone of the group,' Der
Zakarian explained.
Despite the English press linking forward Ivan Klasnic to Wigan, the
Croatian was in Nantes on Friday examining what les Canaris could
offer him.
`There was positive feedback from him,' Der Zakarian revealed, `but
the negotiations are not finished and it is difficult to advance. All
that I know is that the transfer is not completed yet. We will see
well how that goes.'
Sochaux defender Guarin N'Daw has also been linked with a move to the
Atlantic-coast however Der Zakarian refused to comment on that
particular piece of speculation.
Nantes have already added veteran goalkeeper Jérôme Alonzo
to their ranks this summer as well as rangy defender Ibrahim Tall,
midfielder Djamel Abdoun and young Brazilian prospect Doulao to their
ranks this summer.
Robin Bairner, Goal.com
06/07/2008 08:15
Der Zakarian Offers Nantes Progress Report
Nantes head coach Mikel Der Zakarian has told l'Equipe that he is
upbeat about les Canaris' chances in Ligue 1 next season however
survival remains the priority of the newly promoted club.
Twelve months ago Nantes were contemplating life in Ligue 2 after
relegation from the top flight. Their supporters had dissented,
invading the pitch in the final home match of the season - a 0-0 draw
with Toulouse - as relegation became a grim reality.
Der Zakarian had briefly taken co-charge of the side that term, taking
over from Georges Eo in the closing weeks as Nantes' challenge was
dying. Along with Japhet N'Doram, the Franco-Armenian coach threatened
to breathe new life in the struggling side but ultimately
resuscitation would have to wait a further season.
The 45 year-old knows that his rescue job will not be completed until
Nantes secure their spot in Ligue 1.
In an interview today with l'Equipe, der Zakarian revealed that the
club's ambition this season would simply be to survive.
`We start like all the other teams, even if our status as a promoted
side obliges us to remain humble,' states der Zakarian to l'Equipe
with understated optimism, `Ligue 1 is a very different competition
and will be much more difficult than the one we played last year.'
`Our ambition is simply to play well, particularly for the supporters
who place a great deal of faith in us. They informed me of their
desire to see us as a powerful force while playing nice football. That
is also my objective, although I have to remain realistic.'
`To play neatly does not interest me. Only the victory counts.'
In order to achieve enough triumphs to secure safety the Nantes boss
believes he needs another three players, one man in each outfield
sector. `The idea, it is to reinforce the backbone of the group,' Der
Zakarian explained.
Despite the English press linking forward Ivan Klasnic to Wigan, the
Croatian was in Nantes on Friday examining what les Canaris could
offer him.
`There was positive feedback from him,' Der Zakarian revealed, `but
the negotiations are not finished and it is difficult to advance. All
that I know is that the transfer is not completed yet. We will see
well how that goes.'
Sochaux defender Guarin N'Daw has also been linked with a move to the
Atlantic-coast however Der Zakarian refused to comment on that
particular piece of speculation.
Nantes have already added veteran goalkeeper Jérôme Alonzo
to their ranks this summer as well as rangy defender Ibrahim Tall,
midfielder Djamel Abdoun and young Brazilian prospect Doulao to their
ranks this summer.
Robin Bairner, Goal.com