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SportsNantes coach Der Zakarian confirms Dupé as No.1 goalkeeper ahead of Lafont
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FC Nantes head coach Michel Der Zakarian has publicly declared that newly signed goalkeeper Maxime Dupé is his first-choice goalkeeper, ahead of returning loanee Alban Lafont. Lafont, 27, returned to training on Wednesday after participating in the 2023 World Cup with Ivory Coast, who were eliminated in the round of 16. He spent last season on loan at Panathinaikos, playing 37 matches, but the Greek club opted not to make the move permanent. Lafont remains under contract with Nantes until 2027. Der Zakarian stated, 'The priority is Max (Dupé) today, not Alban (Lafont).' When asked about a potential departure for Lafont, the coach acknowledged it is possible but added that if he stays, he will train with the squad. Lafont has made 198 appearances for Nantes across all competitions since joining in 2021.
Source report
Two days before FC Nantes' second summer friendly against Lorient on Saturday (5 PM) in Vannes, head coach Michel Der Zakarian faced the press at the Jonelière training center.
Lafont Returns from World Cup
Der Zakarian was questioned about goalkeeper Alban Lafont, who returned to training on Wednesday after participating in the World Cup with Ivory Coast. The Ivory Coast side was eliminated in the round of 16.
The 27-year-old goalkeeper, who joined Nantes in 2021, is coming off a season on loan at Panathinaikos, where he featured extensively in 37 matches across all competitions. However, the Greek club chose not to retain him. Lafont remains under contract with FC Nantes until 2027.
Clear Hierarchy in Goal
In Der Zakarian's mind, the situation is straightforward: Maxime Dupé (33), who arrived this summer from Nice, is his first-choice goalkeeper.
"He (Lafont) is here with us today, it's up to him to work. He was at the World Cup, he came back quite quickly, he wanted to work. The priority is Max (Dupé) today, not Alban (Lafont)," said Der Zakarian.
Departure Possible
When pressed on the possibility of Lafont leaving, Der Zakarian stated:
"Yes, of course. But if he ends up staying, he will train with us and then we'll see."
Lafont has played 198 matches across all competitions for FC Nantes.
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