Gakpé Ready to Lead Nantes Against Marseille After Formidable Comeback
A thrilling Ligue 1 encounter awaits tonight as FC Nantes hosts Olympique de Marseille at the Stade de la Beaujoire. With the Canaries already assured of their top-flight status for next season, they approach the match against the Phocéens with confidence. One of the standout players for Nantes has been Serge Gakpé, the Togolese international striker who has been pivotal in his team’s recent resurgence.
Gakpé, who has been in superb form, has rediscovered his goal-scoring touch in the final stretch of the season. After struggling to finish earlier in the campaign, the former Monaco forward has now scored five goals in his last seven Ligue 1 appearances. His recent performances have been crucial to FC Nantes’ survival in the league, and he remains one of their most influential players.
In an interview with L’Équipe, Gakpé reflected on his turnaround. “It’s the work that finally pays off,” he said. “I’ve been playing well since the start of the season, but I wasn’t always rewarded. Now, at the end of the season, the work is paying off. I’m happy, and above all, I haven’t been injured.”
Gakpé’s journey to this point hasn’t been easy. A year-long knee injury kept him sidelined, followed by another frustrating period without playing. However, his arrival at FC Nantes has marked a turning point in his career, giving him the opportunity to regain fitness, confidence, and consistency. “I only really started playing again when I arrived at FC Nantes, where I was able to play matches and regain confidence,” he explained.
The 30-year-old has come a long way from the low points of his career, and his resilience has been key to his recent revival. “I was at rock bottom, it wasn’t easy. I’ve come a long way, don’t forget that,” he added. “I’m improving and I aspire to go higher. A lot is expected of me, but few people know what I’ve been through to get to where I am today. I’m making up for lost time.”
With Gakpé leading the charge, Nantes will hope to continue their solid form as they take on an in-form Marseille side this evening.
