Nantes have identified departing Lorient head coach Olivier Pantaloni as their top target for the next season. Pantaloni will not extend his contract due to distrust in Lorient's management.
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Nantes identify departing Lorient head coach Olivier Pantaloni as priority target for next season
Departing FC Lorient head coach Olivier Pantaloni is FC Nantes’ priority target to fill in their managerial vacancy starting from next season, **Ouest-France**understands. Pantaloni already announced he would not sign a contract extension, citing distrust within Les Merlus‘ management although the Corsican head coach holds an impressive record with a Ligue 2 title in 2025 and a very strong Ligue 1 season this campaign.
Pantaloni’s upcoming departure has put Ligue 1 clubs on alert, including Toulouse FC. And another club has joined the pack in FC Nantes. Les Canarisare heading straight to Ligue 2 after losing again this Sunday against Rennes. Their 19th defeat this season leaves them five points behind 16th-placed Auxerre with three games left to play.
Olivier Pantaloni is leaving FC Lorient because he cited distrust within the club's management and has announced he will not sign a contract extension.
Nantes are currently in 19th place in Ligue 1, facing relegation, and have lost 19 matches this season, leaving them five points behind safety.
FC Nantes is currently coached by club legend Vahid Halilhodzic, who has stated he will leave his position at the end of the season.
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Nantes are currently coached by club legend Vahid Halilhodzic, but the Franco-Bosnian had made clear he’ll leave his post at the end of the season. Their interest in Pantaloni makes sense given the 59-year-old’s vast experience of the second-tier.
Ouest-Franceunderstands that Pantaloni is also interested in making the short trip from Lorient to Nantes. He is reportedly set to meet the club owners at short notice.