Every apostle of the beautiful game has their mentors. Lucien Favre is no different. A former creative midfielder, the Swiss coach likes technical players, the ability to spot an attacking opportunity, fluid teamwork... Each reference can be illustrated by examples. And amongst them, we find FC Nantes.

Players from the academy. Discipline, audaciousness, an irresistible style, results, trophies... The mark left on football by the great FC Nantes side, the way they conceived football has a timeless aspect. Immortal. 'The Nantes style' has even become part of the football lexicon, the heritage of a dynasty of giants, and the guardians of the temple are named José Arribas, Coco Suaudeau and Raynald Denoueix.

The passing of time obliges change. Tactical evolution. Adjustments in the balance of power. But time does not erase everything, least of all your mentors. "Nantes, was simply magnificent," declares coach Favre, in joyful memory. "They were one of my favourite sides. There was the great Liverpool and the great FC Nantes. At that time, they were the two beacons in Europe. They played incredible football..."

The power of movement

The total conception of a demanding game-plan could flirt with perfection when its collective wheels were in motion. "It was just beautiful," continued the coach. "They had incredible players and were already working on a lot of movement. All ten outfield players were obliged, when winning back possession, to move as one man. That was so important." Mobility was one of the cornerstones of an ambitious and innovative tactical philosophy. "I read a lot about Suaudeau... a very clever man. He said later: 'Sometimes I deliberately gave the opposition the ball.' That meant they weren’t very good in building the play, even if he couldn’t really say it like that. I don’t know if it was true or if he just said it to spice things up a bit. Personally, I sometimes catch up with Raynald Denoueix..."

The chance to chat about that side that made its mark on football history. And to move forward himself, but always accompanied by the spirit of his mentors...

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