They retuned to Ligue 1 after just one year
After 44 years in the top division of French football Nantes was eliminated to the second division and played there last season. The summer of 2007 was marked by a busy transfer market and by handing over of the club to a new owner. During the first part of the season, players adopted their role as division favourites with perfection. The start of 2008 was the most difficult part of the season with two defeats and elimination from Coupe de France. Three consecutive wins, with four goals from new recruit Filip Ðordevic stopped Nantes from falling down the table and ensured easier finish of the season. On the 25th of April 2008, FC Nantes climbed back to Ligue 1, after spending a year in the second tier. The new owner proved his ambition by swiftly returning the club to the top division where they belong to, and continued bringing top players to the club, in order to avoid any setbacks this season.
The team is stronger than last season
FC Nantes started searching for players as soon as they had secured promotion. Their owner bought some experienced players as their squad was far too young for Ligue 1. The team is significantly improved in all areas, but it seems that their defense is most improved. Goalkeeper Jerome Alonzo arrived on free transfer from PSG and he will probably be number one keeper. He is certainly satisfied with his defense as Michael Gravgaard, strong center back arrived from FC Kopenhagen, who will be partnered in the centre of defense with Brazilian Douglao. Ibrahim Tall signed from Hearts, and he will occupy right back spot. Their midfield is boosted by the return of Christian Wilhelmsson from loan, and arrivals of centre midfielders Guirane N'Daw, and Djamel Abdoun. The balance of the team is created by bringing in forward Ivan Klasnic, ex Werder player and they also bought Filip Ðordevic, who was on loan from Red Star last season. Not many players left the squad the notable ones include defender Mauro Cetto and forward Luigi Pieroni, who won't be missed as he spent whole last season on loan at Lens and Anderlecht. The team is much stronger than last season, but the competition is also stronger this year. The only problem might be that too many players arrived in such a short time and they will need time to gel. And their coach, Michel Der Zakarian will try to make that happen as soon as possible.
In
Jerome Alonzo (PSG)
Ivan Klasnic (Werder)
Guirane N'Daw (Sochaux)
Douglao (Porto Alegre)
Ibrahim Tall (Hearts)
Michael Gravgaard (FC Kopenhagen)
Filip Ðordevic (Red Star Belgrade)
Djamel Abdoun (Ajaccio)
Ronny Rodelin (Rodez)
Eric Cubilier (returned from loan at Metz)
Claudiu Keserü (returned from loan at Libourne)
Karim El Mourabet (returned from loan at Laval)
Christian Wilhelmsson (returned from loan at La Coruna)
Out
Mauro Cetto (Toulouse)
Luigi Pieroni (Valenciennes)
Guillaume Norbert (Le Havre)
Vincent Briant (Sedan)
Youssef Sekour (returned to Bordeaux from loan.)
Ima Faneva Andriatisima (Boulogne on loan)
Paulin Voavy (Boulogne)
Bocundji Ca (Tours)
O. Thomas (released)
Thicot (released)
Expectations from next season
After returning from the teams' first season in the second division, FC Nantes will first make sure to stay in the top division and after that they will try to do something more. The team is well balanced as their owner produced enough money to bring all the players that his coach wanted. Every part of the team is stronger than last year, but their coach will have to work a lot with his players to create a good team. The star players are forward Ivan Klasnic, midfielder Christian Wilhelmsson and defender Michael Gravgaard and the fans will expect from them the best performances. Nantes has the team capable of mid table finish, and their biggest fear will be that new players do not fit in. Those are all very experienced players and that will make things a lot easier. My prediction for Nantes in the following season is mid table finish.
Our tip: Mid table finish
Odds
Bookmaker: Bet365
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