After two rather positive results from an accounting perspective, FC Nantes lost 4-1 against Stade Brestois. A defeat which has already swept away the slim hopes raised by the matches against PSG and Rennes. Hard return to reality.
Gone are the days when Nantes took care of its goal average against Brest. Sunday afternoon, the Finistère team was cold with realism. Without being particularly spectacular, Eric Roy’s players scored four times. What is special about this result? Three minutes separate the first two goals (24′ and 27′), five for the third and fourth goals (88′ and 93′). If we can salute the performance of the Brest collective, whose value no longer needs to be proven, on the yellow and green side we can legitimately question the mental strength of this team.
L’illusion du derby
Against PSG and Stade Rennais, Antoine Kombouaré’s players were at least able to show solidarity and this was reflected in a newfound defensive solidity. Last Sunday, the Nantes eleven stood out for their defensive feverishness, due in particular to errors in marking and defensive placement. Swings in concentration which cost FC Nantes dearly even though Brest was not so dangerous. Trailing 2-0 at half-time, only a burst of pride could have allowed the yellow and green to seek the equalizer or the victory.
Douglas Augusto outlined the contours of this surge at the start of the second half with a nice goal scored in the 48th minute with a magnificent volley. Nantais the most visible this evening, he never hesitated to make an effort. Although he is not always very technically adept, it is difficult to blame this player for not giving his all on the pitch, as demonstrated by the distance traveled per match statistics presented by the CIES Football Observatory. Unfortunately, this revolt embodied by Douglas Augusto was unable to crack the Ti’Zefs. Regrouped, the teammates of Brendan Chardonnet, the club’s die-hard, knew how to endure without conceding, then they struck at the right time.
By following its game plan to perfection, Brest showcased the experience accumulated by its squad over the Champions League matches. Because yes, despite some difficulties in the championship, Stade Brestois has been shining for more than a year in France and on the European continent, particularly in its mental attitude.
After a short clearing, the storm returns to attack on the banks of the Erdre.
To wake up or to sink
No choice. If FC Nantes intends to maintain its position, we will have to redouble our efforts at all levels. Both on the field and on the bench and in the offices, decisions must be made in order to quickly improve results. Besides a possible change of coach, which unfortunately is more than usual for Nantes, it is up to the players to stand out. They must raise their level of play and come together, shake each other up. Jean-Charles Castelletto also appeared quite angry on the microphone of the broadcaster DAZN post-match, highlighting the weakness of character of his teammates at the end of the match.
Currently, no executive is really emerging in this team. No player seems to be complaining. Creating a conflictual climate is not an objective, however players must not accept the situation in which they find themselves. They are the main players in the matches. However, they give the impression of being subjected to the game plan and tactics. Do they not have the will and/or the possibility to impact the tactical direction of the team? Is there no one to create positive momentum?
To rediscover the pleasure of victory, the yellow and green must above all rediscover a collective desire.
A Cup match not to be overlooked
With only 3 victories in the 2024-2025 financial year, no match should be neglected on the Nantes side. Any meeting is good for building confidence. Even against an opponent of a much lower level, but one who must be respected, FC Nantes must field a very competitive eleven and seek to score. Both for the players and the supporters, the Coupe de France must serve to revive momentum. In the 2016-2017 season, then 19th, it was a Cup match against Montpellier, won 3-1 at La Beaujoire, which allowed the Loire club to move forward.
Will the young people from Nantes from the training center have their place in this meeting? Cup matches can in fact also serve to highlight players who are given little playing time in Ligue 1. If they are given the opportunity, it will be up to Leroux, Guirassy and Tabibou to show that they have their place every weekend in the Nantes group.
See you on December 21 against JA Drancy hoping to see goals and play.
