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SportsNantes coach Der Zakarian confirms Maxime Dupé as No.1 goalkeeper ahead of Alban Lafont
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FC Nantes coach Michel Der Zakarian has publicly stated that newly recruited goalkeeper Maxime Dupé, 33, is his first-choice goalkeeper for the upcoming season, ahead of Alban Lafont. Lafont, 27, returned to training on Wednesday after participating in the World Cup with Ivory Coast and spending last season on loan at Panathinaikos, where he played 37 matches. The Greek club opted not to keep him, and he remains under contract with Nantes until 2027. Der Zakarian made his stance clear during a press conference ahead of a friendly against Lorient, saying '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 team. Lafont has played 198 matches for Nantes 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 Duty
Der Zakarian was questioned about goalkeeper Alban Lafont, who returned to training on Wednesday after participating in the World Cup with Ivory Coast, where the team 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.
Dupé Named Number One
In Der Zakarian's mind, the pecking order is clear: 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 whether Lafont could leave the club, 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.
Source
Mercato 2025 : l'actu des transferts footWestern
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