Nantes vs Lorient preview - Nantes boss after top-10 finish

Posted Friday, May 15, 2015 by PA

Nantes coach Michel Der Zakarian has set his sights on a top-10 finish in Ligue 1.

Les Canaris have spent most of the season in the top half but a run of just one win from their last seven matches has left them in 12th spot and two points behind Bastia in 10th.

Speaking ahead of Saturday's clash against Lorient at the Stade de le Beaujoire, Der Zakarian told a press conference: "If we want a chance to finish 10th, we must win the last two matches. That is the target I have set with the players.

"This is our last home game and I hope we produce a good performance in front of our supporters, who have always been there with us.

"It will be hot and we have got to finish well."

However, the 52-year-old Armenian is well aware of the threat posed by the visitors, who have scored nine goals in their last two away games.

Victories at Marseille and Metz have gone a long way to ensuring the Brittany side will continue to play in the top flight next season - they are currently five points above the drop zone with just the two games left.

Der Zakarian added: "They have the ability to play short and right. Even if they have changed their pattern of play, their characteristics are the same."

The home side will have defender Papy Djilobodji back from a hamstring injury, while midfielder Remi Gomis is available after suspension.

However, Alejandro Bedoya misses out with a knee injury, while fellow midfielder Vincent Bessat is banned.

Lorient boss Sylvain Ripoll said: "I saw Nantes beat Marseille a few weeks ago and we must focus on our game and be as effective as we have in our last two away matches if we are to cause them problems.

"The idea is to maintain our dynamic and beautiful game and ensure survival this weekend."