Jocelyn Gourvennec has replaced Pierre Aristouy as manager of FC Nantes. The latter was sacked on Wednesday morning after a four-game winless streak.
Aristouy replaced Antoine Kombouaré in May and succeeded in sparing Nantes from relegation to Ligue 2. He quickly came under threat after beginning the season with back-to-back losses, however, a run of good results saw the pressure ease. The latest downturn in form has put pay to Aristouy’s time at the Beaujoire. Les Canaris are winless in their last four Ligue 1 matches, and prior to last weekend’s draw against Le Havre AC, they had lost three on the bounce.
During the statement, which officialised Aristouy’s departure, Nantes announced that his successor would be named within 24 hours. L’Équipe, RMC Sport and Foot Mercato all indicated that Gourvennec, who has been out of work since leaving Lille OSC 18 months ago, would take the helm at the Beaujoire. He had been a candidate for the France U21 job, ultimately taken by Thierry Henry, and the France Women’s job, taken by Hervé Renard.
However, Gourvennec’s return to management has now been confirmed. He has signed a deal with Les Canaris that runs until the end of the season. There is an option to extend the deal for a further year.
GFFN | Luke Entwistle
