After four games, Montpellier HSC sit bottom of Ligue 1, with just one point and 13 goals conceded. On a three-game losing streak, L’Équipe understands that Michel Der Zakarian’s position as manager is already coming under threat.
Beyond the results, L’Équipe report that the relationship between Der Zakarian and his squad is damaged and this can be traced back to the altercation that he had with former Montpellier defender Mamadou Sakho one year ago. The former Liverpool centre-back and the manager clashed during a training session, with the former ultimately being released by the club. One month after the altercation, Sakho threw a going away party, which all members of the MHSC squad attended. That, at the time, was interpreted as a show of support for Sakho.
Gasset, Montanier, Gourvennec and Lamouchi considered as Der Zakarian replacements
For Der Zakarian, time is of the essence to save his job. L’Équipe understands that a win against AJ Auxerre over the weekend is almost compulsory if he is to remain in the post. Whilst La Paillade haven’t reached out to any potential replacements – yet – a list of names are being considered. Jean-Louis Gasset, Philippe Montanier, Jocelyn Gourvennec, and Sabri Lamouchi’s names have all been evoked in conversations.
GFFN | Luke Entwistle
