Nantes’ Pierre Aristouy says club may need nine points to avoid relegation from Ligue 1 | OneFootball

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·19 May 2023

Nantes’ Pierre Aristouy says club may need nine points to avoid relegation from Ligue 1

Article image:Nantes’ Pierre Aristouy says club may need nine points to avoid relegation from Ligue 1

Currently in the drop zone, FC Nantes head coach Pierre Aristouy said his team may need nine points from their remaining three games to retain their place in Ligue 1 for next season. The 17th-placed side come up against Montpellier this weekend.

Reflecting on Les Canaris‘ last match, Aristouy acknowledged a shift in his mindset stating, “I’m less in a hurry, less needing to settle everything in a world that I have less control over. The benchmarks are done, I was able to get back to basics: the pitch, the system, and the energy…”


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The French coach emphasized the importance of their recent draw against Toulouse, acknowledging the difficult circumstances under which the point was earned while crediting the match for renewed enthusiasm and energy on the team, “Yes, it was important to bring something back from Toulouse (0-0). Everyone is aware that this point was obtained in pain but it gives more enthusiasm and dynamism on and off the field,” he said in a pre-match press conference, transcribed by L’Équipe.

When asked about the number of points needed to secure their position in the top flight next season, Aristouy stated Nantes may need to earn nine points from the remaining three games. However, he remained cautious and admitted that even that may not be sufficient. He remained realistic and avoided excessive optimism explaining, “Possibly nine, and again, that may not be enough. I am not overly optimistic, as many observers want to be, thinking that Auxerre will lose against PSG or Lens. I don’t have a points objective. On the other hand, I would very much like to approach the Angers match (during the last day) with our destiny in our hands.”

Nantes have not been relegated since 2009. Auxerre are just one point ahead of Nantes and face PSG this weekend. Brest are five points ahead of the relegation zone, as are Strasbourg.

GFFN | Tony DesRois

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