Rodez defeats FC Nantes 5-2, putting manager Der Zakarian under pressure

Rodez AF secured a dominant 5-2 victory over FC Nantes at the Beaujoire stadium, leaving Nantes at the bottom of the Ligue 2 standings after three consecutive losses. Despite an early lead provided by a Killian Corredor brace, Nantes collapsed in the second half. Ibrahima Baldé led the Rodez offensive with a hat-trick, supported by a goal from Ryan Ponti and an own goal by Saidou Sow.

The defeat has placed FC Nantes manager Michel Der Zakarian under intense scrutiny. Following the match, Der Zakarian expressed significant frustration with his players' lack of commitment and mental toughness, stating, “If I am dismissed, I will go into retirement.” He criticized the squad's lack of fighting spirit and suggested that transfer market distractions might be affecting performance.

In addition to the coaching crisis, Nantes faces injury concerns as Killian Corredor was forced off the pitch with a hamstring injury. The club's difficult start to the season follows their recent relegation from Ligue 1, and the management now faces pressure to address both the sporting decline and the squad's morale.