League: Ligue 1 Sport: Soccer Country: France Category: Trades

Michel Der Zakarian appointed manager of FC Nantes for third time

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 17, 2026, 9:15 AM

Last updated Jun 17, 2026

Michel Der Zakarian appointed manager of FC Nantes for third time

Summary

FC Nantes has officially appointed Michel Der Zakarian as their manager, replacing Vahid Halilhodzic. Nantes, having finished the Ligue 1 season in the relegation zone, previously cycled through three managers: Luis Castro, Ahmed Kantari, and Halilhodzic. Der Zakarian returns to the club after a year away, having previously managed Nantes from 2007 to 2008 and 2012 to 2016. The 63-year-old coach won a French league title with Nantes in 1983. He has signed a two-year contract with Les Canaris.

Source Links

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Key Details

•Michel Der Zakarian returns to Nantes for his third managerial stint.
•He replaces Vahid Halilhodzic, who left after Nantes' relegation.
•Nantes cycled through three managers during the past season.
•Der Zakarian previously managed Nantes from 2007 to 2008 and 2012 to 2016.
•He signed a two-year deal with the club.

Latest Updates

9:15 AMYahoo Sports — Official | Michel Der Zakarian returns for third spell as Nantes manager

What they're saying

"
FC Nantes have confirmed the appointment of Michel Der Zakarian as their manager. The former centre-back has agreed to replace Vahid Halilhodzic, who left his post after failing to steer Les Canaris�...
— Yahoo Sports

Related Teams & Leagues

Ligue 1 Soccer