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 Canaris are 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.
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-France understands 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.
