PARIS, Aug 26 (Reuters) - Nantes have parted company with coach Michel Der Zakarian, the French Ligue 1 club said on Tuesday in the wake of a poor start to the season.

'It is a friendly separation,' general manager Pascal Praud told reporters.

The promoted side lost 2-0 at Girondins Bordeaux on Sunday and have only taken one point from their three league games.

Der Zakarian's replacement has not been named but former Olympique Lyon and Portsmouth coach Alain Perrin has been tipped for the job.

'Nothing is done,' Praud said when asked about Perrin.

Der Zakarian, 45, took charge as relegation loomed in Feb. 2007 and was unable to spare them the drop. However, the former Nantes defender helped the eight-times French champions return to the top flight after only one season in Ligue 2.