Nantes axe Antoine Kombouare despite Ligue 1 survival

By SABC Sport
20th May 2025

FC Nantes have parted ways with head coach Antoine Kombouare, ending his second stint with the club, despite securing their Ligue 1 status for another season.

The decision, announced on Tuesday, came as a shock to many, given Kombouare's history with the Canaries.

Kombouare, 61, led Nantes to the 2022 French Cup during his first spell from 2021 to 2023, a highlight that saw them return to European competition. However, his pragmatic approach this season drew criticism from fans and pundits alike.

Despite finishing 13th in Ligue 1, Nantes only confirmed their survival with a 3-0 victory over relegated Montpellier in their final match, ending just three points above the relegation playoff spot.

"We are grateful for Antoine's contributions, but the club needs a new direction to achieve our ambitions," said a statement attributed to Nantes' management on X, reflecting the sentiment behind the sacking.

Kombouare's tenure was turbulent. Mid-season, a 4-1 defeat to Brest in December 2024 left him on the brink, with the club exploring replacements like Sergio Conceicao and Habib Beye.

However, both pursuits fell through, and a restructured backroom staff, including the addition of Anthony Lopes and Ahmed Kantari, kept him in place temporarily.

Nantes, eight-time Ligue 1 champions with their last title in 2001, now face a critical juncture. The club have battled relegation in four of the past five seasons, and their next managerial appointment will be pivotal. Names like Pierre Sage, formerly of Lyon, and Luis Castro of Dunkerque have been linked with the role, but no official confirmation has emerged.

"We are focused on building a squad and strategy to push us higher up the table," Nantes hinted in a recent X post, signaling an ambitious summer ahead.

Kombouare, a former Paris Saint-Germain player and coach, leaves with a mixed legacy. His 2022 French Cup triumph remains a high point, but his inability to inspire consistent performances has cost him. As Nantes look to turn the page, their supporters will hope for a fresh approach to restore the club's former glory.