FC Nantes striker Mostafa Mohamed has opened up about his recent dip in form, attributing his struggles in front of goal to the tactical approach employed by the club’s management during the current Ligue 1 campaign.
The 27-year-old Egyptian international, who started in Sunday’s crucial Ligue 1 fixture against Angers, was once again unable to make an impact on the scoresheet as Nantes suffered a narrow 1-0 defeat.
The result cost the Canaries three vital points and further deepened their battle against relegation, leaving fans and players alike increasingly concerned about the club’s standing.
Speaking candidly in a post-match interview, Mohamed did not shy away from expressing his frustration. “If I score less, it’s because I have less confidence in the coach,” he said.
“We play a fairly defensive game, and the more we defend, the harder it is for me.”
The Egyptian forward, known for his strong presence and finishing ability, has found it difficult to replicate the form that initially endeared him to the Nantes faithful.
Since the turn of the year, goals have dried up for the former Zamalek striker, and he believes the team’s overall strategy has played a significant role in his struggles.
Mohamed pointed to the team’s overly conservative setup as a key factor stifling attacking opportunities. With FC Nantes often prioritizing defensive solidity, the striker says he has been left isolated in attack, unable to receive the service or support required to consistently find the net.
His comments reflect a growing tension between player expectations and managerial philosophy, particularly as the club finds itself in a perilous position near the bottom of the Ligue 1 table.
Despite his frustrations, Mohamed remains hopeful and insists that the club deserves a better place in the standings.
“We’re trying to keep the club in the best position, but I don’t think we should be there,” he stated. “FC Nantes deserves better. We should be in the top 10, not in the bottom places of the table.”
Now in his second season with Nantes, the Egyptian attacker spoke warmly of his experience off the pitch. “I feel pretty good here, I like the city and the fans,” he said.
“But I’m only happy when I play and score, so it’s true that this season is more complicated.”
With just one game remaining in the league campaign, FC Nantes face mounting pressure to avoid the drop.
For Mostafa Mohamed, regaining form and confidence may prove essential, not just for the team’s short-term survival but also for his own future in French football.
The striker’s remarks have sparked fresh debate among supporters, many of whom share his concerns about the club’s tactical direction.
As FC Nantes prepare for a decisive final fixture, all eyes will be on how the team responds—both tactically and mentally—to the growing urgency.
And for Mohamed, the hope remains that with the right support and system in place, his goalscoring instincts will return.
