As the end of the season approaches, FC Nantes is bracing for a critical final stretch with the primary goal of maintaining their position in Ligue 1. Coach Antoine Kombouaré understands that he requires all hands on deck, which includes players who have faced challenges during the season. Among them is Francis Coquelin, a player who joined the team to enhance their midfield but has had to navigate some injury setbacks.
Coquelin, who was brought over in the winter transfer window, was expected to provide a wealth of experience to a struggling midfield. At 33 years old, his background includes stints with notable clubs like Arsenal, Valencia, and Villarreal, adding significant depth to Nantes' roster. Despite these credentials, his journey so far has not been without bumps, as he has been plagued by physical issues that have raised some eyebrows.
In an interview on the official FC Nantes website, Coquelin addressed concerns over his fitness and reassured fans about his condition. He stated, "I feel good physically. These are not injuries, just small alerts. When you haven’t played for a long time, these alerts can happen. The most important thing is to be smart and not force it to avoid injury. You have to manage yourself well." This statement echoes the sentiments of many players who see injuries as part of the game but also acknowledge the importance of caution.
He continued, sharing insights from his experience, "I know my body well. I did what I needed to stay in the best physical condition possible during my months of inactivity. I had a base, and now I need to play regularly. After two or three consecutive matches, everything will be fine." These words should provide much-needed confidence to the staff and supporters as Nantes faces crucial matches ahead.
So far this season, despite limited playing time, Coquelin has shown his ability to influence the game. His performance against Olympique de Marseille (OM) was solid, and he made two notable appearances against RC Lens and Lille, both of which proved pivotal. During the match against Lens, Coquelin delivered an assist that contributed to their 3-1 victory. Additionally, he was instrumental in the winning goal scored by Mostafa Mohamed against Lille, which resulted in a narrow 1-0 win for Nantes.
This kind of impact highlights Coquelin as a significant asset for Kombouaré's plans moving forward, especially as the team gears up for the final matches of the season. Should his body allow him to maintain fitness, his experience and technical precision could be the key to helping Nantes secure their Ligue 1 status.
As the pressure mounts in the closing weeks, the contributions of seasoned players like Coquelin will undoubtedly be crucial for FC Nantes. They are not only in a fight for survival but also looking to build momentum that could lead to a stronger performance in the coming seasons.
The fans will be keen to see how Coquelin progresses in the upcoming fixtures, as his ability to stay fit could directly influence the outcomes of these vital matches. If he can shake off the minor alerts and return to full fitness, Nantes might well have the depth they need to fend off relegation and emerge stronger.
