Bastia vs Nantes preview - Makelele not rattled by Bastia form

Posted Tuesday, September 23, 2014 by PA

Claude Makelele insists there is "no cause for alarm" despite Bastia slipping into the Ligue 1 relegation zone.

Makelele's side entertain Nantes in league action on Wednesday night, hunting just their second win of the new campaign.

Bastia slipped up 3-1 at Metz at the weekend to slide down the early standings in France's top flight, with Makelele shouldering the brunt of the blame.

The former Chelsea and Real Madrid midfielder believes hard work and soul searching will help his side ease away from trouble.

"There is no cause for alarm, I trust my group despite lost points," Makelele said.

"I'm going to change some things to the point where everyone has to question themselves: we must react.

"This should bring a little more rigour so that we can both start and finish our matches strongly.

"We have to play hard and hustle this team (Nantes): I'm not worried and I will not put my players in danger.

"It takes work and it will pay off."

Nantes claimed their third win in six league matches on Saturday, with Itay Schechter notching the vital goal in the 2-1 home victory over Nice.

Coach Michel Der Zakarian believes his side are no "easy beats", and challenged Nantes to maintain their gritty start to the new campaign.

"We didn't take our chances to go 3-0 up in the second half at the weekend, and conceded from a set-piece," he said.

"We fought hard to hold on tough and it was a great win for us given the match as a whole, especially as we came under pressure after such a strong start.

"Ten points from six matches is a very good start that gives the team confidence.

"We're no easy beats at the moment, but we have to work hard to keep that going."