Nantes' coach Michel Der Zakarian has successfully led the team to promotion twice before, in 2008 and 2013. However, the current situation is different, with the team sitting at the bottom of the Ligue 2 table after two consecutive defeats. Only one of the six clubs relegated from Ligue 1 to Ligue 2 and starting with two consecutive losses has been promoted since 2000, with Troyes achieving this in 2017. Two of the six clubs relegated from Ligue 1 to Ligue 2 and starting with two consecutive losses finished in the second half of the Ligue 2 table, namely Lens in 2012 and Dijon in 2022.
Der Zakarian is expected to make changes to the team's lineup and tactics for the match against Rodez. The team's financial situation has improved with the sale of Abline to Monaco for approximately 30 million euros. However, the potential departure of players Ignatius Ganago and Guilbert could further impact the team's performance.