The fate of Nantes, who claimed the Ligue 1 title in 2001, was sealed on Wednesday despite their 1-0 win at Bordeaux, secured thanks to a late Dennis Oliech goal.

It is the first time the southern club, champions of France eight times, have been relegated from the top flight.

They have been fighting against the drop all season, but a winless run of seven games prior to the win over Les Girondins sealed their fate.

Les Canaris have won just seven games this season, and they have failed to beat the likes of Troyes, Sedan, Paris St Germain and Valenciennes - teams who have been battling against relegation for most of the campaign.

"It is difficult to talk about regrets at a time like this," said Der Zakarian, who is in charge of first-team affairs with the club's sporting director Japhet N'Doram until the end of the season.

"But we haven't been able to win the matches we played against all the teams fighting against relegation like us.

"Now we must rebuild a team with guys who have the same desire as was shown against Bordeaux.

"And we are going to fight until the end and try to avoid finishing in last place."

Defender Franck Signorino has seen coaches come and go through Nantes' revolving door this season.

Serge Le Dizet was the first to get the chop, then Georges Eo suffered the same fate in February.

Der Zakarian and N'Doram have been unable to steady the ship and as a consequence, Nantes' 44-year stay in the top division has come to an end.

Left-back Signorino could not hide his disappointment after seeing his side succumb to relegation.

"I feel ashamed," he said.

"For 44 years, people have fought to build an exceptional list of honours for this club, and it is us who have knocked it down.

"It is like I have taken part in a catastrophe."

Der Zakarian was proud of the way his men stuck to their task against high-flying Bordeaux.

"We are professionals, we did our job to win the match," he added.

"There were difficult moments against a good Bordeaux team who played this season in the Champions League.

"Unfortunately we are still in Ligue 2."

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