New Nantes coach Aristouy laments latest setback | OneFootball

New FC Nantes coach Pierre Aristouy lamented his team’s lack of cutting edge and confidence after a 3-0 home loss to Montpellier Hérault SC on Saturday left them deep in the relegation mire.

“There is no feeling of dismay or that we are giving up. We are just disappointed and aware that we have a lot of work still to do,” said Aristouy after a disappointing home debut for the man who succeeded the sacked Antoine Kombouaré prior to last weekend’s goalless draw at Toulouse FC.

Nantes trailed at half-time to a Jordan Ferri goal at the Stade de la Beaujoire, before Arnaud Nordin doubled Montpellier’s lead early in the second half and Falaye Sacko added a late third.

“There is a fragility and a mental weakness which is costing us. We lack confidence and a bit of spark. We are not hurting our opponents. Unfortunately when you are in this kind of situation, the slightest mistake can completely change the face of the team,” added Aristouy.

Players either ‘downbeat’ or ‘afraid’

“That is what happened for us with the first goal, and especially at the second goal, which came far too soon in the second half.”

Nantes have not won in 13 league games now and have not even scored a goal in their last four. They remain 17th, a point behind AJ Auxerre and safety before the Burgundy club play Paris Saint-Germain on Sunday. Les Canaris finish the season with a trip to LOSC Lille and a home meeting with Angers SCO.

“We can’t put all the players in the same box. Some are downbeat which is actually quite positive after such a result. Others are afraid and that is a problem,” said the new coach.

>> REPORT: Nantes remain deep in trouble after Montpellier defeat