Montpellier boss Michel Der Zakarian linked with Sheffield United ahead of expected move to England May 12, 2021
Der Zakarian is preparing his side for tonight’s Coupe de France semi-final against Paris Saint-Germain.
Yet in the build-up to that match, the 58-year-old told French publication L’Equipe he and his coaching team would be leaving The Stade de la Mosson this summer.
Der Zakarian’s contract expires at the end of this season and the Armenian is looking for a new challenge in England.
If follows four successful years at Montpellier, during which time he has led them to a top ten finish in Ligue 1 each campaign. They’re on course to repeat the feat this term.
Well done to Canet, who didn t make it easy for us, and above all, well done to my team, who fought and believed until the end. I often say that these matches are good for the mind, Delort told the Ligue 1 website. We know that these are complicated matches. That s the beauty of the cup. I love these games and these situations. We didn t get into the match properly. In Chateaubriand, we only won 1-0, and in Ales, it was complicated.
“The most important thing is that we won and that we went a step further in the competition. Now we re in the semis and just a win away from the final.
Montpellier started the game sluggishly and almost pay for it in the fourth minute when Burak Yilmaz found himself in a one-on-one situation with goalkeeper Jonas Omlin but he managed to miss the target.
Another fine opportunity fell in the way of Lille to open the scoring in the 12th minute but Yilmaz’s shot was blocked.
Montpellier gradually pushed for the opening goal and got it in the 36th minute when Delort headed home from close range after receiving a sublime pass from Gaetan Laborde.
Moments before the end of the first half, the Algeria international came close to double the Paillade’s lead when he powered a header towards goal but the effort failed to trouble Lille goalkeeper Mike Maignan.
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Montpellier reveal tactic to keep Wolves, Newcastle target in France
Date published: Friday 12th March 2021 1:25 - Neil Foster
Montpellier president Laurent Nicollin is hoping to persuade striker Andy Delort to remain at the club by promoting him to captain next season.
Delort, 29, was heavily linked with a move away from Stade de la Mosson in January. Premier League duo Wolves and Newcastle United were both mentioned as possible suitors during the winter window.
The Molineux outfit came
closest to landing their target and tabled a bid for the Algeria international. However, no deal materialised and they opted to sign
Willian Jose on loan from Real Sociedad.