Les Canaris have announced that coach Pierre Aristouy and his technical staff have been stood down with immediate effect, with his replacement to be announced in short order. Former Guingamp and LOSC boss Jocelyn Gourvennec is rumoured to be the favourite to take the helm in western France.
The decision comes as Nantes get set for a run of tough matches - against second-placed Nice and league leaders PSG and high-flying Brest loom before the winter break. Although the side sit 112th, six points clear of the drop, they have taken just one point from a possible 12 in their last four outings, with three consecutive defeats followed by a 0-0 draw with ten-man Le Havre in Round 13.
FC Nantes published a communiqué on their official website on Wednesday morning:
"FC Nantes would particularly like to thank Pierre Aristouy and his staff, who have put all their human qualities and talent at the service of the club. Appreciated by all, they were instrumental in helping the club maintain its top-flight status at the end of last season."
Aristouy, who took Nantes' U19 side to the title in 2022, was a something of a surprise choice when he was promoted to replace Antoine Kombouaré four matches from the end of last season. But he helped the club stay up and the rustles haven't been disastrous since then, but the club's board was, according to French sports bible L'Equipe concerned with his management of the squad and the integration of youth academy players.
Former Nantes player and ex-Guingamp and LOSC boss Jocelyn Gourvennec is the favourite to replace Aristouy and, according to L'Equipe, should be presented to the press on Thursday after presiding over his first training session with the side.
