History Of FC Nantes

The history of Football Club de Nantes, a French football club based in Nantes, began in April 1943 with the merger of several local clubs, including Saint-Pierre de Nantes, the city's main amateur club. FC Nantes achieved professional status in 1945 after being promoted to the national second division. The club had to wait about twenty years before reaching the French first division, driven by coach José Arribas. Under his leadership, the team won the French championship twice in a row, in 1965 and 1966, due to the offensive, collective, and attractive play of the "Canaries," which earned nationwide acclaim. Through its style of play, the stability of its team and management, and its youth , the FCN had a consistent success under coaches Jean Vincent, Jean-Claude Suaudeau (a disciple of Arribas), and Raynald Denoueix (a disciple of both).

Renowned for its distinctive playstyle, commonly referred to as by journalists and fans, FC Nantes (known as FC Nantes Atlantique from 1992 to 2007) has established a notable legacy in French football. The club secured eight league titles between 1965 and 2001, complemented by three Coupe de France victories. Although less prominent in European competitions, with its best performances including the semifinals of the 1980 Cup Winners' Cup and the 1996 Champions League, FC Nantes has been widely recognized for the quality of its teams. These teams featured both collective cohesion and individual talent, with prominent players such as Henri Michel, Vahid Halilhodžić, and Jorge Burruchaga, alongside academy graduates like Didier Deschamps, Marcel Desailly, Christian Karembeu, and Claude Makelele.

Creation and division 2 (1943–1960)

Creation during the occupation (1943–1944)

The circumstances surrounding the club's creation while Nantes was under German occupation remain unclear, with little information provided by either the municipality or the club itself. However, historical records indicate that leaders from various local clubs convened multiple meetings in central Nantes during the spring of 1943 (March 11, March 24, April 5, and April 21) in cafés in the —namely "Café Morice" on and "Café des Alliés" on —to establish a new club. The first team of Saint-Pierre de Nantes, the city's leading amateur club playing in the Division d'Honneur, gained autonomy under the new name, Football Club de Nantes. Two competing projects initially emerged: one led by (SNUC), and the other by , a leader of La Mellinet. Saint-Pierre's participation in the latter project tipped the scales in its favor. The new club's board of directors included six members from Saint-Pierre, including its president, Marcel Braud. Other clubs in the city, particularly those associated with labor organizations, had only one representative each, such as Ateliers et Chantiers de la Basse-Loire, Association Sportive Ouvrière Nantaise, Société de Construction des Batignolles, and La Mellinet, while SNUC had two representatives. Additionally, two French Football Federation members were on the board.

Two key figures from the initial board of directors of FC Nantes stand out for their significant, albeit controversial, roles in the club's history. Saupin was known for his involvement in collaborationist activities, notably participating in the antisemitic Groupe Collaboration led by Alphonse de Châteaubriant.Information known since the opening of the Ministry of the Interior archives concerning certain collaborationist organizations, including the “Collaboration” group, b
the decree of October 11, 1999
Second, was not initially involved in Nantes' sports scene but became one of the club's first presidents. Le Guillou owned a construction company that built the and the Malakoff Stadium (now Stade Marcel-Saupin). He was also a prominent collaborationist in Nantes, who profited from the war by acquiring jewelry stores, fashion boutiques, and a stable of thoroughbred horses. His best-known racehorse, ''Ali Pacha'', whose jockey wore yellow and green, inspired the club's colors. Le Guillou's construction company maintained close ties with the German occupiers, providing services to the Todt Organization, the Luftwaffe, and the Kriegsmarine, and collaborating with the Berlin-based construction firm Walter in a joint subsidiary called GWL. After the Liberation, Le Guillou was arrested on September 9, 1944, dismissed from his position, and succeeded by Saupin. He spent years in exile in Switzerland before returning to France under an amnesty in 1951.

The motivations behind the creation of FC Nantes remain unclear, though collaborationist ideology and its broader influence likely played a role. The club's founding principle, established on April 21, 1943, stated that FC Nantes aimed "to develop the physical and moral strength of young men through football and to foster friendship and solidarity among all members." While this mission aligns with typical objectives of a sports association, it must be viewed within the context of the Pétainist regime and Nazi propaganda, both of which emphasized sports as tools for ideological and social control. Contemporary press accounts described FC Nantes as bringing together "the best players from Nantes and Saint-Nazaire, naturally reinforced by several other high-caliber players," under the direction of experienced coach . For workers at the Chantiers and Batignolles shipyards, the prospect of sporting success was an appealing incentive. However, historian posits that the club's creation may have served a more covert purpose: retaining and influencing local youth at a time when many young men were fleeing to the maquis to escape mandatory labor under the ''Service du Travail Obligatoire'' ( STO). Following the Liberation in 1944, FC Nantes underwent a transformation, with football becoming its primary focus. This marked the start of the club's journey toward its lasting place in French sports history.

First steps in division 2 (1944–1951)

In 1944, the battles for liberation prevented Nantes from capitalizing on its promotion to the second division, which it had earned by finishing second in the Division d'Honneur Ouest. Competitive play was heavily disrupted, and the few tournaments that took place were unofficial. Despite these challenges, Nantes secured an unofficial "treble" during the 1944–1945 season. The club triumphed in the Anjou amateur championship (part of the National II league) against teams such as SCO Angers, SO Cholet, and . It also claimed the Western Championship, with a decisive 5-0 victory in the final against T¿. Additionally, Nantes won the Western Cup, a friendly competition featuring the region's leading clubs, defeating SO Cholet 7-1 in the final. Although these achievements were not formally recognized, they underscored the club's resilience and growing prominence during a tumultuous period.

A few months later, FC Nantes joined the second division of the northern zone for the 1945–1946 season. Thus, FCN entered the professional era two years after its creation, with players largely from Saint-Pierre (Gergotich, Kerdraon, Crépin) and reinforced by some experienced players such as Antoine Raab or the Abautret brothers. The first official match played on August 26, 1945, saw the Nantes team beat CA Paris 2-0 away (goalscorers: Crépin, Ruffin), while the first-second division match at Malakoff ended in a 2-0 defeat to Troyes. In their inaugural season, Nantes finished 5th in their group.

In the 1946–1947 season, the second division championship returned to a single-group format, and coach Aimé Nuic was replaced at the start of the season by Raab, who took over as player-coach. For several seasons, the team finished in mid-table: 9th in 1947, 11th in 1948, and 9th again in 1949. Performances in the Coupe de France were not very impressive, with the team being eliminated quite early in the competition. However, the 1949–1950 season started disastrously, leading to Raab's replacement by , a team goalkeeper, who also assumed a player-coach role. At the end of the season, Nantes finished 17th and faced relegation but was ultimately saved. In 1951, following another disappointing season where the club finished 10th in the league, the municipal authorities provided a generous subsidy to the club, allowing them to recruit a prestigious coach, Émile Veinante.

A promotion slipping away (1951–1960)

The appointment of Émile Veinante as head coach signaled a strategic shift for FC Nantes. A former international with recent success in guiding FC Metz to Division 1 (D1), Veinante was brought in to accelerate Nantes' rise to the top tier. The 1951–1952 season began promisingly, with the team maintaining second place for much of the campaign. However, they faltered in the closing stages, ultimately finishing in 4th place. A defining moment of the season came during a decisive match against AS Monaco for the third-place playoff spot. In a heated and physically demanding contest, FC Nantes was reduced to ten men after Baumann sustained an injury. Leading 1-1 late in the game, Nantes conceded a controversial goal in the final ten minutes, despite an apparent offside. Adding to the frustration, a legitimate Nantes equalizer was disallowed for the same infraction. In protest, the Nantes players staged a sit-down strike on the pitch, ceasing play and ultimately suffering an 8-1 defeat. Despite the demoralizing result, club president Marcel Saupin commended the team for their efforts upon their return, reinforcing his support during a challenging season.

Émile Veinante was unable to achieve promotion for FC Nantes, with the team finishing 6th in 1953 and 9th in 1954. He resigned in the spring of 1955, shortly before the final match of the season, and was succeeded by Antoine Raab, who returned to the coaching role. Despite the presence of talented players such as the Dutch duo and —the latter becoming the club's first true star—and a growing fanbase, including a record attendance of 10,000 spectators for a 4-2 victory against Angers on November 9, 1953, the team's fortunes declined under Raab. Nantes finished 10th in 1955, and although their reserve team won the Western amateur championship, the senior squad struggled in the 1955–1956 season, hovering near relegation. Raab was dismissed with two matches remaining in the season. Under the temporary leadership of team captain , Nantes narrowly avoided relegation, finishing 17th and just above the relegation zone. This period marked a challenging chapter for the club as it grappled with inconsistent performances and organizational instability.

In 1956, FC Nantes appointed Louis Dupal, formerly of AS Monaco, with the aim of securing promotion to Ligue 1. To bolster the squad, the club brought in seasoned players such as , , and Erich Habitzl (all joining in 1956), along with Guelso Zaetta, loaned from Angers in 1957, who would later become a significant figure at Nantes. Despite these efforts, the results fell short of expectations, with the club finishing 13th in both the 1956–1957 and 1957–1958 seasons. In December 1958, additional reinforcements arrived, including from Bordeaux and from Monaco. However, the 1958–1959 season ended with Nantes placing 14th. Amid mounting financial difficulties, the club underwent a major restructuring, resulting in becoming president. Dupal, unable to deliver the desired progress, was replaced at the start of the 1959–1960 season by Karel Michlowski, the former coach of Racing Club de Lens. Michlowski's tenure brought immediate improvements. The team was further strengthened by the arrivals of international players and René Dereuddre. By autumn 1959, Nantes topped the league standings and set new attendance records at the Malakoff stadium, including a crowd of 15,912 on October 15 for a match against Nancy. However, the season was overshadowed by a scandal involving goalkeeper , on loan from Le Havre, who exposed an attempted bribery by Red Star officials during a 5-1 victory over them. This revelation led to Red Star's expulsion from the professional leagues. Despite the team's progress, Nantes narrowly missed promotion once again, finishing 8th. Frustrated by limited resources, Michlowski departed for Angers, prompting President Clerfeuille to seek new leadership and direction for the club.

José Arribas: Promotion and first titles (1960–1976)

The climb to division 1 (1960–1963)

The search for a new coach in 1960 presented a challenge for FC Nantes, as President Jean Clerfeuille encountered numerous candidates with questionable qualifications or excessive financial demands. However, one candidate stood out: José Arribas, a former player for US Le Mans and a Basque refugee from the Spanish Civil War. Arribas, who was coaching the amateur team of Noyen-sur-Sarthe at the time, impressed Clerfeuille with his modesty, focus on football, and passion for the joy of the game. Although Arribas was relatively unknown to Clerfeuille, two trusted sources provided glowing recommendations. Albert Heil, the reserve team coach at Nantes, had personal experience training with Arribas and spoke highly of him. Henri Guérin, coach of Rennes and a friend of Arribas, also endorsed him enthusiastically. On July 14, 1960, Clerfeuille met with Arribas. Their discussion lasted just ten minutes, culminating in the signing of a contract that would set the stage for a transformative era in FC Nantes' history.

José Arribas, modest in demeanor and always formal in his interactions—addressing his players with the polite "vous"—brought a revolutionary approach to FC Nantes. A natural pedagogue, he explained his strategies with clarity and precision, fostering a deeper understanding of the game among his players. As a self-taught coach and innovator, Arribas experimented with various tactical systems, giving Nantes a competitive edge. One of his earliest changes was implementing a zone defense, breaking away from the prevalent man-to-man marking of the era. After a devastating 10-2 loss to Boulogne, Arribas, who had earned the full trust of President Jean Clerfeuille, introduced another significant innovation: the adoption of the 4-2-4 formation. Inspired by the Brazilian tactics showcased in the 1958 World Cup, this system added a second central defender, reinforcing the backline to support overlaps by Gabriel Caullery and fullbacks and . In addition to his tactical advancements, Arribas emphasized a style of play that prioritized short, quick passes, making the most of his team's technical skills rather than physicality. He also instilled a renewed sense of joy in the game, a quality that had been absent at Nantes, which resonated deeply with the players. This transformative approach led to noticeable improvement, with the club finishing a respectable 11th place in Division 2 during Arribas' first season in 1961.

Albert Heil played a pivotal role in the development of FC Nantes, not only advocating for José Arribas' arrival but also overseeing the development of numerous young talents who had been overlooked by other clubs. Heil was instrumental in recruiting future stars: Gilbert Le Chenadec in 1958, Philippe Gondet and Jean-Claude Suaudeau in 1960, Bernard Blanchet in 1962, and Robert Budzynski in 1963. In the immediate term, Arribas benefited from the presence of experienced players, including some big names nearing the end of their careers, such as René Dereuddre (1959–1961), and especially five key recruits in 1961: Pancho Gonzales in defense (1961–1963), (1961–1965) and Pierre Grillet (1961–1962) from RC Paris, and forwards: André Strappe (1961–1963) and Thadée Cisowski (1961–1962). This strategy did not immediately bear fruit, as FC Nantes only finished 6th in 1961–1962. The 1962–1963 season began slowly, and it took pressure from several key players (Strappe, Gonzales, Guillot) on the club's management, with threats to leave, to prevent Arribas from being fired (despite requests from Antoine Raab, the technical advisor, to end the Basque coach's experiments). However, the results were not immediately promising, and Nantes finished 6th in the 1961–1962 season. The 1962–1963 campaign began slowly, and it took pressure from key players, including Strappe, Gonzales, and Guillot, who threatened to leave the club, to prevent Arribas from being dismissed. Despite calls from technical advisor Antoine Raab to end the Basque coach's experimental approach, and Guillot, who threatened to leave the club, to prevent Arribas from being dismissed. Despite calls from technical advisor Antoine Raab to end the Basque coach's experimental approach. However, the results were not immediately promising, and Nantes finished 6th in the 1961–1962 season. The 1962–1963 campaign began slowly, and it took pressure from key players, including Strappe, Gonzales, and Guillot, who threatened to leave the club, to prevent Arribas from being dismissed. Despite calls from technical advisor Antoine Raab to end the Basque coach's experimental approach. Nantes soon surged to the top of the standings, becoming autumn champions in December 1962. While Saint-Étienne ultimately overtook them, Nantes secured promotion on June 1, 1963, with a 3-1 victory against Sochaux (with two goals from Jean Guillot and one from Sadek Boukhalfa) in front of a record crowd of 16,959 spectators. Key contributors to this promotion included experienced players like Strappe, Gonzales, Guillot, , and , alongside the young talents Le Chenadec, Suaudeau, and Gondet, who were already indispensable. Mid-season recruit Rafael Santos also played a key role in replacing the ailing Gondet.

Conquering France (1963–1970)

The transition to France's top football tier proved successful for FC Nantes, despite several significant changes to the squad, including Pancho Gonzales' retirement and André Strappe's departure to Bastia. Mmoreover, young players skillfully identified by the club bolster the team beyond expectations. Notable additions include Jacky Simon, a young forward from Cherbourg, Robert Budzynski, a promising defender cast aside by RC Lens, and Gabriel De Michèle, an amateur left-back from Jarny, recommended by , his coach in Lorraine. On September 1, 1963, FC Nantes played their first match in Ligue 1 against Sedan. The game ended in a 2-2 draw, but Jacky Simon made history by scoring the opening goal in the 11th minute, becoming the first Nantes player to score in the top division. The 1963–1964 season was a strong one for Nantes, as they comfortably secured their survival in Ligue 1, finishing 8th in the league. The team also had a notable run in the Coupe de France, reaching the semi-finals, further solidifying their place among France's elite clubs.

José Arribas' efforts finally bore fruit in the 1964–1965 season when FC Nantes stunned the French football world by winning the championship. On May 30, 1965, over 20,000 fans gathered at the Malakoff Stadium (later renamed Stade Marcel-Saupin in honor of its founder, who passed away in January 1963) for the final day of the season. Facing AS Monaco, Nantes secured a 2-1 victory, with goals from their stars Jacky Simon (9th minute) and Ramon Muller (14th minute). Simon, who finished as the league's top scorer with 24 goals, was named the best season player by the press and became the first Nantes player to be called up to the French national team on May 24, 1965. Muller, the team's playmaker, captivated fans with his creativity, including a 30-meter volley that clinched the title. Nantes completed a perfect season with victories in the Coupe de la Ligue and the Challenge des Champions against Rennes (4-2). José Arribas was named the best coach of the first division.

The 1965–1966 season confirmed Nantes' dominance. The team finishes with the best attack (84 goals) and the best defense (36 goals). Philippe Gondet's return to form is a key factor, as he finishes as the league's top scorer with 36 goals in 37 matches. The solid defense, led by goalkeeper Daniel Eon and the central defensive pairing of Gilbert Le Chenadec and Robert Budzynski, also plays a crucial role. Other key players from the two titles include Sadek Boukhalfa (the left-winger who left for Bastia in 1965), Gabriel De Michèle (a left-back nicknamed Jaïr by Ramon Muller), Bernard Blanchet (a versatile winger, excellent in aerial duels and often decisive), (always available to cover injuries), and Jean-Claude Suaudeau (a true link between defense and attack, often described as a perfect relay between the two). De Michèle, Gondet, and Budzynski all participated in the 1966 FIFA World Cup, but the French team was eliminated in the first round despite their efforts.

Despite a successful season, two notable disappointments marred FC Nantes' 1963–1964 campaign. The first was their defeat in the Coupe de France final against Racing Club de Strasbourg, losing 1-0. This result was particularly frustrating for Nantes, as they had to play most of the match with only ten players due to an injury to the indispensable Ramon Muller before halftime. The second disappointment came in their European Cup campaign, where they were eliminated in the first round by Partizan Belgrade, a team that would go on to reach the final that year. This setback was echoed in the 1966–1967 season when Nantes were again eliminated in the Round of 16, this time by Celtic Glasgow, who would ultimately win the competition that season.

The decline in FC Nantes' performance during the late 1960s can primarily be attributed to the departures of key players such as Boukhalfa, Guillot (1965), Muller, Santos, and Bako Touré (father of José Touré), which left the team weakened and aging. The club's recruitment efforts were insufficient, despite the arrival in 1966 of Yugoslav player Vladimir Kovacevic and two future key players, Michel Pech and Henri Michel. The team's defense, in particular, became vulnerable due to a series of setbacks: the prolonged absence of Daniel Eon, the transfer of Le Chenadec to Metz in 1967, Budzynski's tibia-fibula fracture in 1968 (which ended his career after two years of recovery), and the departure of in 1969. Substitutes also failed to meet expectations, notably Roger Lemerre, who, despite his talent, who struggled to adapt to Arribas' zonal defense system despite his talent. While Nantes finished second in 1967, their performance dropped to 7th place in 1968, followed by 10th-place finishes in 1969 and 1970. The 1969–70 season appeared to herald a revival, as FC Nantes reached the French Cup final. However, their hopes were crushed on May 31 at the Stade de Colombes, when they suffered a crushing 5-0 defeat at the hands of Saint-Étienne, the dominant force in French football at the time, in the final at Stade de Colombes.

From one cycle to another (1970–1976)

The 1970s began with the dominance of AS Saint-Étienne, led by Albert Batteux, and Olympique de Marseille, spearheaded by their prolific striker Josip Skoblar. Meanwhile, José Arribas focused on preparing the next generation for FC Nantes. His efforts began immediately after the 1970 Cup final defeat. Robert Budzynski, forced into retirement, was appointed as the club's sporting director—the first such role in French football. Jean-Claude Suaudeau also retired from professional play but continued his involvement as a player-coach for the reserve team in the third division, alongside Zaetta. Arribas tasked these two coaches with instilling the younger players with the tactical principles that had brought success to Nantes. Training young talent became a priority for Arribas, leading to the establishment of a modest youth academy in the city center.

Simultaneously, the club resumed recruiting promising young players: solid defenders like Patrice Rio and Bernard Gardon, goalkeeper Jean-Paul Bertrand-Demanes, who had already made appearances in the first team by 1969, and Gilles Rampillon, a 17-year-old forward who balanced training with preparing for entrance exams to Normale Sup at Lycée Clemenceau. Other recruits included René Donoyan, Omar Sahnoun, and Claude Arribas (José's son).

Tactically, FC Nantes transitioned to a 4-3-3 formation, increasingly common in European football. Arribas also shifted from a flat defensive line to a system with a stopper and a sweeper. The team finished 3rd in 1971 and 7th in 1972.

By the start of the 1972–73 season, only Bernard Blanchet and Gabriel De Michèle remained from the squad that had won the first two titles. The new team core included Henri Michel (captain since 1971), Michel Pech, Jean-Claude Osman, Gardon, Bertrand-Demanes, and Rampillon, who had established themselves as starters. Key additions like Didier Couécou, an experienced striker, and Erich Maas, a left winger from Bayern Munich, reinforced the squad. Argentine signings, Ángel Marcos and Ángel Hugo Bargas, also bolstered the team. Marcos, recruited in 1971, was brought in to fill the void left by Gondet, while Bargas, named Argentina's Athlete of the Year in 1972, joined mid-season after a series of administrative complications that even led to the resignation of the AFA president. With this strengthened lineup, FC Nantes reached the top of the league table in February and secured their third national title ahead of OGC Nice. However, they once again missed out on the double, losing to Olympique Lyonnais, led by Fleury Di Nallo, Serge Chiesa, and Bernard Lacombe, in the French Cup final at the Parc des Princes.

In the years following José Arribas' tenure, Saint-Étienne regained dominance in French football, while FC Nantes finished 2nd in 1974, 5th in 1975, and 4th in 1976, failing to progress beyond the quarterfinals in the French Cup during this period. Their performances in European competitions were similarly disappointing: they were eliminated in the Round of 16 by Cardiff City in the Cup Winners' Cup in 1971, by Tottenham in the UEFA Cup in 1972, by Vejle BK in the European Cup in 1974, and by Banik Ostrava in the UEFA Cup in 1975. In 1976, Nantes management offered José Arribas only a one-year contract extension, explaining their preference for year-by-year agreements with their coaches. A proponent of stability, Arribas chose to leave FC Nantes and signed with Marseille, where he was dismissed after a few matches. His 16 consecutive years at the club set a record for French football at the time, a record later surpassed by Guy Roux at AJ Auxerre.

Consistency in success (1976–1988)

The Jean Vincent I era: The Young Wolves (1976–1979)

Jean-Claude Suaudeau, initially considered a potential successor to José Arribas, was ultimately deemed too young and too familiar with the players by the club's management. They preferred to hire a more experienced coach. Among several candidates, including Ferenc Puskás, the club directors ultimately chose Jean Vincent. The former striker for Lille OSC and Stade de Reims, with 45 international caps, was brought in with the goal of expanding Nantes' trophy collection, particularly in the Coupe de France and European competitions. The club's management was determined to avoid disappointments, early eliminations, and missed opportunities in finals.

Yet, it was in the league that Jean Vincent revived FC Nantes with a surprising approach. Upon his arrival, he sidelined Robert Gadocha and Yves Triantafilos, the team's two-star players, whom he deemed out of form, preferring to place his trust in a trio of strikers formed at the club and recently selected for the French Olympic team at the 1976 Montreal Olympics: Loïc Amisse, Bruno Baronchelli, and Éric Pécout. This trio, known as “the Olympic Attack,” marked the season. Continuing this strategy, Vincent also trusted other young players developed under Suaudeau's guidance, such as Thierry Tusseau, Omar Sahnoun, Georges Van Straelen, Gilles Rampillon, and Oscar Muller. This team of ambitious and talented youngsters started the season on fire, winning at Metz (1-2) on opening day and later defeating Sochaux (2-6). On October 15, the Canaries showed their resilience: after trailing 0-3 against PSG at Saupin, they came back to finish 3-3. Nantes led the league alongside Lyon and Bastia. After a spring loss at home to Lyon and Bastia, the young team clinched the league title. They also reached the semi-finals of the Coupe de France, but despite winning 3-0 in the first leg at Nantes, they were defeated 5-1 in extra time at Geoffroy-Guichard by Saint-Étienne.

Meanwhile, the club continued to strengthen its infrastructure. In 1978, the La Jonelière training center was opened, far from the city center, offering tranquility and space for a top-notch sports complex, including a groundbreaking training center in France.

During the 1977–1978 season, FC Nantes fielded an unchanged championship-winning team but was caught off guard, like all other contenders in the league, by AS Monaco, finishing in second place. In the European Cup, they were also taken by surprise. After overcoming Dukla Prague, Nantes was held to a 1-1 draw at home by Atlético Madrid. In the return leg at the Vicente Calderón Stadium, young Guy Lacombe, who had scored in the first match, gave Nantes the lead. However, the Madrilenians eventually secured a 2-1 victory. In the Coupe de France, Nantes was eliminated by Nice

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