Der Zakarian has always produced solid if unspectacular teams, but he has something special brewing this season
By Adam White and Eric Devin for Get French
Football News
After 37 years of marriage, Véronique Der Zakarian and her husband Michel do not always agree. “If you want it to last, concessions must be made on both sides,” said Montpellier coach Michel in a joint interview with his wife in L’Équipe last month. Having followed her husband’s managerial career from Nantes to Clermont, back to Nantes, to Reims and now to Montpellier, Véronique scoffed – much as fans of those clubs might. Der Zakarian’s effective but defensive sides have often made obvious sacrifices in the way they play. Now though, with Montpellier, Der Zakarian is finally following his own advice to glorious effect.
Der Zakarian was born in Armenia but spent his entire playing career in
France with Montpellier and Nantes, where he won the league in 1983. After working as an assistant manager at Nantes, he was given the top
Job in 2007 and guided the club back to Ligue 1. He was soon replaced once the club reached the top flight, however, and had to continue his managerial career at Clermont. When Nantes fell back into Ligue 2, they asked Der Zakarian to take charge again.