Nantes Targets Stéphane Gilli, Who Faced Nancy in Ligue 2
FC Nantes, preparing for a likely Ligue 2 season, eyes Stéphane Gilli, former Paris FC manager who previously faced Nancy. A pivotal decision for the club's future.
FC Nantes is bracing for a tough end to the season, which will almost certainly see them in Ligue 2 next year. Facing this prospect, the club is actively exploring its managerial options, and the name of Stéphane Gilli, former Paris FC manager, is being mentioned. His career includes notable confrontations, such as a Ligue 2 match against AS Nancy Lorraine in 2018, where he served as an assistant.
The Canaries have just three games left to try and save themselves from the drop, needing at least two wins and hoping that AJ Auxerre, currently in the relegation play-off spot, doesn't win any of their next three matches. This is a tall order for a side that has won just four league games all season and none since Vahid Halilhodzic's arrival in March.
Vahid Halilhodzic is Nantes' third manager of the campaign, but he will not remain at the club beyond the end of the season. A shortlist of candidates is being drawn up. Olivier Pantaloni is on it, although he remains an ambitious target, given that Toulouse FC is also showing interest.
Stéphane Gilli is another serious option, according to reports from Foot Mercato. Gilli led Paris FC into Ligue 1 last season but was sacked in February while the club was hovering perilously close to the relegation places.
He was replaced by Antoine Kombouaré, who has since steered Paris FC to safety. The situation at Nantes is critical, and the choice of the next manager will be crucial for the club's rebuilding, whether in Ligue 1 or Ligue 2.