The Nantes way – Introduction
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In the picturesque setting of western France, where the tranquil waters of the Loire River flow, a footballing institution with a rich history and timeless tradition stands tall – FC Nantes. Since its establishment in 1943, this club has woven a tapestry of triumphs and tribulations, etching its name into the annals of football lore.
The Golden Era: Step back in time to the glory days of FC Nantes, a period bathed in the golden hues of success. Led by the visionary coach Jean-Claude Suaudeau, the club embarked on a mesmerising journey through the 1970s and 1980s, clinching an astonishing eight Ligue 1 titles between 1964 and 1983. The likes of Henri Michel and Maxime Bossis, adorned in the iconic yellow and green, mesmerised fans with their sublime skills, carving out a legacy that would stand the test of time.
European Glory: As the sun set on the domestic dominance of FC Nantes, a new dawn emerged on the European horizon. The 1982–1983 season saw the club transcend borders, as they ventured into the hallowed grounds of the European Cup, now known as the UEFA Champions League. Though the ultimate prize remained tantalisingly out of reach, FC Nantes’ valiant journey to the semi-finals captured the hearts of football aficionados far and wide, earning them plaudits and respect on the continental stage.
Recent Years: In the ever-evolving landscape of French football, FC Nantes has navigated through turbulent waters with steely resolve. Embracing a philosophy centred around youth development (much to my appeal) and stability, the club continues to chart a course towards glory, fuelled by the unwavering support of its passionate fanbase. As they strive to reclaim their perch among the elite of French and European football, the faithful followers of FC Nantes remain steadfast in their belief, eagerly awaiting the resurgence of their beloved yellow and green army.
THE GAME MODEL
I have opted to deploy what I feel is an incredibly balanced tactic, one which can simply be described as an asymmetric 4-4-2, of course it is fluid with the use of many support roles. However, you will note I have looked to pair roles which should work in unison, for example the use of the Segundo Volante, who when it departs is replaced by the inverted wing-back. Similarly, on the other flank the inverted forward will be replaced by the complete wing-back, who’s duty will be to occupy the wide space. The Regista has been utilised to become the playmaker who has multiple options in front of him, making efforts to break into the box.
THE AIMS
- Use the academy. The club has superb youth facilities, which has seen the likes of Randal Kolo Muani, Jordan Veretout, Quentin Merlin, and Imrân Louza be developed in the recent years. Current first-team players which have also played in the Académie are Nathan Zeze, Bastien Meupiyou, and Stredair Appuah Owusu.
- Strive to make ‘the league of talents’ the league of European success – there is a distance between Europe’s top four tiers and Ligue 1, when taking into consideration UEFA country coefficient ranking. Earlier this season, the Netherlands overtook France in fifth place for a period, Ligue 1 is lagging behind the biggest divisions on the continent.
- Continue to recruit talent from Africa. Ligue 1 has been the land of milk and honey for Premier League teams looking to sign high-end talent for some time now. Ligue 1 clubs have always been innovative through their long-established pathways as a logical first step into Europe. This is especially true for players coming from African countries in which French is widely spoken.
The Bord have set their expectations for the season (Finish mid-table in Ligue 1), with the view to concluding the five year plan with European qualification. Finally, right up my street, there is the goal to developing into Ligue 1’s best youth system.
There is an expectation to play an entertaining brand of football, I am more than confident that the game model selected will meet the need of both the board and the supporters.
PRE SEASON
Seven wins from eight as we build into the new season, given my lack of familiarity with the team I used these matches to get a feel for the playing staff. I will look to provide you all with a bit more detail on the individual playing units, along with any stand out performers from across the youth sections as the season pans out.
